Preppers plan ahead for everything – from possible disaster scenarios to everyday emergencies like a flat tire. They also plan for the kind of items that they add to their survival food supply. (h/t to TheMerrillProject.com)

If you wish to start setting up your own food stockpile, here are three common mistakes that you need to avoid when buying food.

Buying food in bulk doesn’t always save you money

This may depend on the prepper, but buying items in bulk doesn’t always save you money.

Here are two reasons why:

1. You buy so much of one item that you get sick of it.
2. You buy too much food that you store it in your pantry, you forget about it, and it goes to waste.

Unless you have enough storage space, buying seasonings and baking ingredients in bulk may be to your disadvantage. Purchase the typical size available at the grocery store. With these common bulk items, you only save a couple of cents to the dollar per ounce.

If you have an extra room just for storing your survival supplies, here are items that are better to buy in bulk:

• Canned fruits and vegetables – Preserve your own fruits and vegetables if you have the resources or buy canned organic products.
• Coffee and tea
• Condiments – Buy condiments that your family likes, like BBQ sauce, ketchup, hot sauce, or mustard.
• Dried beans – Buy kidney, Pinto, or white beans, as long as your family likes eating them.
• Granola and granola bars
• Honey
• Jams and jellies
• Oatmeal
• Pasta (e.g. macaroni, spaghetti, etc.)
• Salt and pepper
• Sauces – Ideally, you should also learn how to preserve sauces to ensure the quality of each jar in your pantry.
• Spices and seasonings – Different spices and seasonings are a lifesaver, especially if you want to make each meal delicious even after SHTF.
• White flour
• White rice – Brown rice is healthier, but it has a shorter shelf life.

Think of the items that your family uses or consumes a lot, like beans and rice. You can save more money per ounce if you buy these products in bulk.

Not considering the product’s best buy dates

Before you buy a whole case of ketchup or other products that are on sale, double-check the best buy dates. You don’t want to keep expired food in your stockpile, do you?

Take note of best buy dates so you know how to properly organize food and when to rotate items. The best buy dates of items in your stockpile will also help you keep track of how much food your family consumes in a year. (Related: Food storage tips and tricks for preppers.)

Buying without planning ahead

Never go to the store without planning ahead. There’s no point in buying beans in bulk if your family prefers rice instead.

Consider how often you’re going to use each item before you buy in bulk. For example, you can use rice to make both savory meals like beans and rice, along with desserts like rice pudding. Incorporate versatile ingredients into your recipes so you can make the most out of all the items in your pantry.

If you have pets, don’t forget to buy pet food and treats for them. You may also want to stockpile your kids’ favorite food so they can snack on something familiar even during a disaster.

Avoid these three common mistakes when planning your survival food supply to save money, time, and space in your storage.

Visit FoodStorage.news for more articles with tips on how to maximize your storage space.

Sources include:

TheMerrillProject.com

UrbanSurvivalSite.com

When preparing an Everyday Carry (EDC) kit, you need to consider how much extra weight you’re willing to carry on a daily basis. As detailed in the guide below, you can opt for a smaller belt EDC kit or a slightly larger pocket EDC kit with more useful items. (h/t to MCCreekmore.com)

If you’re not sure what to include in your EDC kit, think of common scenarios that may occur in your area or any items or gear that you may need when SHTF.

Here are some useful survival items to consider if you want to prepare your own EDC kit.

Belt EDC items

For a basic belt EDC, you can make do with a multitool. Depending on the brand, a multitool can have various features, such as:

• Bottle opener
• File
• Knife
• Pliers
• Saw
• Scissors
• Screwdriver
• Wire cutters

Multitools can cost as much as $15 to $90, so do your research to find a brand and model that suits your budget and prepping needs.

Pocket EDC items

This option depends on how roomy your pockets are. You can also store smaller items in a portable kit that can fit in your pocket for easy access.

• Flashlight – A pocket-sized flashlight is essential for any EDC kit. Consider getting a bright, compact flashlight with multiple settings for brightness and flashing.
• Mini lighter – A lighter is a useful survival item even if you don’t smoke. You should know how to start a fire using basic tools, but having a lighter makes things a lot easier.
• Small pocket knife – Like the multitool, you need to choose a pocket knife with features that are useful for you on a daily basis like a bottle opener, knife, nail file, Philips screwdriver/s, scissors, small flat-head screwdriver, toothpick, and tweezers. (Related: Items that you should carry with you every day… for the ultimate prepper.)
• Tactical blade – A tactical blade is a handy self-defense tool. It’s small enough to hide and you can easily defend yourself using a high-quality, sturdy model.
• Tactical pen – It’s up to you if you want to splurge on an expensive tactical pen, but if you’re only after the basic features, get a pen that you can write with and is sturdy enough for self-defense.
• Wallet – A prepper’s wallet isn’t just used to store credit cards, IDs, and money. You can turn it into a makeshift EDC kit by carrying some Band-Aids for minor cuts and scrapes. Additionally, you can hide a survival card with assorted prepping tools in your wallet.

Wearable EDC items

Wearable EDC items are easier to carry since they don’t need to be concealed like tactical blades or pens, especially if you work in an office setting.

• Belt – Consider wearing a light belt without a metal buckle so it won’t set off metal detectors. In a pinch, you can use your belt as cordage or as a tourniquet.
• Hat – Wear a standard baseball cap to shield your eyes from the sun and to keep warm. During winter, switch to a wool hat for extra warmth.
• Watch – A high-quality prepper watch may include useful features like an altimeter, barometer, compass, and a thermometer.
• Wearable tool bracelet – Leatherman offers bracelets that aren’t just decorative. Each link has a tool that you can easily access, like screwdriver and hex bits. However, the bracelet doesn’t come with a knife blade.

With these EDC items, you can rest easy even if you’re at the office. These small but useful items and tools may help you survive when SHTF in urban areas.

Sources include:

MCCreekmore.com

BackdoorSurvival.com

Disasters can happen at any moment. You might not be able to avoid them, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t prepare for them. Having a proper survival plan in place can definitely help you get through even the most difficult situations. Improve your chances of survival by following these essential disaster preparedness tips when SHTF. (h/t to Survivopedia.com)

Learn what potential disasters your area could face

Different geographical locations face different kinds of natural disasters. Read up on your local area’s history to find out what kind of disasters your area is prone to. Does your area frequently experience hurricanes, earthquakes, or other natural calamities? Once you know the past, you can be better prepared for the future. Finding out what you are likely to face can go a long way in helping you formulate your survival plan. (Related: You need to know these 8 essential survival tips to prepare you for the next catastrophe.)

Sign up for emergency alerts

It is important to stay informed and up-to-date on your local news and weather reports. Nowadays, you can easily sign up to receive emergency alerts on your cell phone. That way, you can always know ahead of time when severe weather is on its way.  There are also plenty of emergency apps you can download on your phone that can serve as useful tools when SHTF.

Prepare your family’s emergency kits and bug-out bags

You and your family members should each have a 72-hour emergency kit containing all the essential items that you need to survive for at least that amount of time. If you need to make a sudden evacuation, you should also have bug-out bags ready in easily accessible areas in your home. Some preppers may combine both their emergency kit and bug-out bag in one convenient pack. Depending on your needs and priorities, you can choose to do the same. Some of the important items you should pack include water, food, first aid supplies, flashlights, blankets, a cell phone charger, a multipurpose tool, spare cash, and personal hygiene items. Make sure that you and your family members know how to properly use the items in your emergency kits and bug-out bags.

Learn your local area’s evacuation routes and shelter locations

In dire emergency situations, you might need to bug out somewhere else until it is safe for you and your loved ones to return home. In this case, knowing your local area’s evacuation routes and shelter locations can certainly come in handy, especially if you and your family are separated when the disaster hits. Planning a designated meeting point can let you and your family know where to go, even if the cell phone towers are down and no one has any access to other forms of communication.

Do an indoor and outdoor home assessment

On the other hand, there might also be times when it is simply safer to stay put and bug in. In this case, you will need to do a thorough assessment of the interior and exterior of you home to make sure that it can provide ample protection when SHTF. Get rid of any dead trees or overhanging branches that may pose as hazards during a hurricane. You may also need to upgrade your home’s security and defense systems. Additionally, you should make an inventory of the supplies you will need to wait out a potential disaster and stock up on these items.

Learn more disaster preparedness tips by going to Preparedness.news.

Sources include:

Survivopedia.com

WorkingMother.com

You need to know how to call for help when SHTF. If worse comes to worst and you find yourself lost, without your bug out bag or any sort of useful item, and need to signal for help, don’t panic. Remember the guidelines written in this article and use these techniques to get yourself heard. (h/t to ModernSurvivalOnline.com)

Fire and smoke signals

These are, perhaps, the oldest form of long-range communication. Used by the ancient Chinese, Greeks, and Native Americans, smoke can be used to signal your position and call for help.

In general, smoke signals can only be used during the day, since the smoke will only show up against a lit background.

Smoke signals are not as clear cut as other forms of communication. Even to this day, there is no general code or standard meaning for the different shapes, numbers, and types of smoke puffs. This is because smoke can be seen by anyone, enemies included. These signals will definitely get you spotted, but you’re not sure who will see it. As such, smoke “codes” were normally predetermined by the sender and the receiver.

You don’t need to worry about this when you’re lost in the woods, though. Your main goal is visibility, so just make sure that you have enough dry wood to keep the fire (and smoke) going. (Related: 5 skills you need to hone now for when SHTF.)

Ground-to-air signals

The ground-to-air emergency code is a crude yet informative way of notifying an overhead rescue team about your situation. Take note that the signals and symbols involved only cover the bare minimum of important information.

The first set is static symbols. These need to be constructed as large and obvious as possible. Try to use materials that are as bright as can be. Ideally the “top” of your symbol should point north — unless it is more intuitive to have it go another way (like if you were on a hillside, for example).

You can see a more comprehensive list of these emergency codes here.

The other half of these signals involve your body. Standing with your arms outstretched from your sides, for example, means “requires medical assistance.”

Flares

This is a collective term for pyrotechnic devices that produce sudden bursts of light (and/or smoke) for signaling. Most flares are designed for marine applications, but many flares have now been adapted for rural and mountain use.

There are essentially three kinds of flares: rockets, handheld, and smoke.

• Rockets –These are used to indicate your position when in distress. The rule of thumb is to set off one, wait two to three minutes, then set off another one. In a maritime setting, red flares are used only for distress whereas white flares are used to warn of one’s location to avoid a collision. On land, red flares are still for distress, but white flares have no formalized meaning.
• Handheld — These are meant for pinpointing your location more accurately. Once a rescue party is near you, you can set off a handheld flare to show them exactly where to look for you. There is no distinction between red and white flares here.
• Smoke — These only come in orange and are used during the day to help locate a target. Smoke flares are highly beneficial in that it contrasts with almost everything, will not disrupt a helicopter, and drifts with the wind. This helps the rescue team see (and follow) a trail, which improves their chances of finding you.

There are other methods of communication you can use if you’re lost, but we just wanted to focus on these three. Remember that signaling is one of the most complex and overlooked survival skills. It’s worth all the time and effort you put into it, however.

Take note that the suggestions listed above may not work so well in an urban environment.

Sources include:

ModernSurvivalOnline.com

Indians.org

OutdoorRevival.com

As a prepper, you need to keep backups for your backup plans, like a food and water cache. The same goes for your emergency funds, which could be crucial when SHTF. (h/t to Ferfal.Blogspot.com)

Tips for hiding money before SHTF

Keep in mind that you need to take every precaution you can to secure your hard-earned money. Here are some tips to help you hide some cash inside your home.

• Store your emergency funds in a sturdy and well-sealed bag to protect it against humidity and bugs. Hide the bag in a metal container to keep the contents safe from other pests like rats.
• Hide it in a hard-to-reach area that no one else knows about. Choose a place that strangers won’t think of searching in, like a false wall.
• Remember where you hid the money. There’s no point in hiding money so well that you forget where you put it in the first place. Tell your partner or your children where your secret stash is. Just make sure your kids understand that the location should be a secret from other people.
• Keep the money in a place that is accessible to you but is also very well-hidden to a complete stranger. It may be tempting to hide valuables inside an interior hollow wall, but you may have trouble getting to the money when you’re in a hurry. Try keeping money in a hollow door with a piece of wood that is removed on the hinge side when opened.
• Keep at least two secret stashes. Get a big weapons safe so you can secure your firearms. Thieves will often target guns, but you can deter them with a safe. If burglars see that you have a safe that might take a while to unlock, they might change their mind about spending more time in your house. Make sure the safe can secure a handgun or a good rifle. If you can spend several thousands on your firearms, you should at least secure them in an EMP- and fire-proof safe. Spread out your supplies so you won’t lose everything if someone manages to break into your safe.
• Invest in a home alarm system and security camera. Some security cameras can be controlled with a smartphone app, so compare models and brands to get something that suits your specific needs.
• Hide a decoy safe and keep costume jewelry, fake precious metals, some money, and an old gun in it. This decoy safe still serves another purpose because it always pays to be extra careful, especially if you live in a particularly dangerous neighborhood.

Where to hide your money

Here are more suggestions on clever hiding spaces for your emergency funds.

1. A book safe – Take a hollowed-out book safe and keep some money in it. Just make sure you don’t forget where your book safe is if you hide it among other books. You can also make your own book safe using an old hardcover book.
2. The gaps on top of your cabinets – These empty spaces will probably be overlooked, and you can use them to hide envelopes of cash and other small, flat items. Alternatively, you can hide money in “dead” spaces low to the ground like beneath appliances, inside kitchen and bathroom cabinets, under the sink, or under staircases.
3. In your backyard or garden – Hide your stash in a birdhouse or in a dog kennel.
4. Pill bottles – Get a large and empty pill bottle, then hide it at the back of your medicine cabinet. Other options include rinsed and empty dark-colored or opaque shampoo bottles.
5. Your freezer – Wrap your valuables in aluminum foil, store them in a plastic bag marked “Hamburgers,” then keep it in the freezer.

Follow these tips before you try and hide emergency funds in your house so you have access to money even when SHTF.

Sources include:

Ferfal.Blogspot.com

SurvivalSullivan.com

A tactical pen is more than a simple writing implement. In the right hands, a tactical pen can be used as a self-defense weapon and an emergency survival tool. (h/t to PreppersWill.com)

Take note that in some states, there are limitations on Everyday Carry (EDC) kit tools. You may need to improvise if you need access to a self-defense weapon, so choosing your tactical pen can affect your chances of survival when SHTF.

More than just a writing tool

Several years ago, some knife manufacturing companies realized that consumers need concealable tools that can also be used for self-defense. This is how the tactical pen market developed, and now these companies are offering this discreet tool to preppers.

A tactical pen is a writing instrument that you can use as a normal pen, with one or more special features.

The tactical aspect of this kind of pen comes from its construction:

• An all-metal body that is designed for striking an opponent.
• A flat end where you can place your thumb to prevent it from slipping in your hand.
• A pointed end so it can be used to break glass during an emergency.
• It must be long enough, with both ends extending at least half an inch past the edge of your closed hand.

Tactical pen categories

Before you buy a tactical pen, familiarize yourself with these three main categories so you can decide on a tool that suits your prepping needs.

Concealed use tactical pens

Concealed use tactical pens can be used at the office because they don’t look very tactical. They’re inconspicuous and suitable for EDC kits. While concealed use pens aren’t actually designed as tactical pens, they share similar features with one.

On-the-go use tactical pens

On-the-go use tactical pens tend to stand out because they’re designed for preppers. Most pens in this category are available in flat black or dark gray. An all-metal body is mandatory for these pens and they are heavier than concealed use varieties.

A field use tactical pen has grooves machined into the barrel or body to give you a good grip. These pens will have either one or two pointed ends that are specifically used for striking or partial penetration.

Some on-the-go pens have a cover to conceal the pen point. Others may have a pull or screw-type caps mechanism to reveal the pen point. These points can be used for striking.

On-the-go tactical pens tend to be longer compared to normal pens and they may stick out of your pocket. These pens are sturdy since they’re made from hard metals, and you can use them in the field without any problems.

Multi-use tactical pens

A multi-use tactical pen has additional features besides the two main ones: writing and fighting.

Depending on the brand, some multi-use tactical pens incorporate survival features such as:

• A DNA collection tip
• Fire-starting material (e.g., matches)
• Glass-breakers
• Handcuff keys
• An LED light
• A small blade/knife

When buying a tactical pen, consider the features of pens from the three main categories above and avoid a pen that:

• Has an industrial look with striking details.
• Has extremely pointed ends that make it look like a weapon.
• Is flashy or very tactical-looking.
• Is too heavy for your EDC kit.

Tactical pen brands to consider

If you’re not sure what kind of tactical pen to get, here are some brands to consider.

• Gerber Impromptu Tactical Pen – This pen has a rugged, machined steel body and a stainless steel pocket clip. This pen has a glass-breaker, but it’s more expensive compared to the other tactical pens.
• Modkin Tactical Pen Survival Kit – This multi-use tool is a four-in-one high-quality aluminum alloy tactical pen that comes with a bottle opener, a flat head screwdriver, an LED flashlight, and a tungsten steel tip glass breaker. The pen has a hidden switch that turns on the LED flashlight which has a 12-lumen intensity that can last for about 10 hours. The pen can also be used in case of an emergency if you need to break glass or windows. The grip part of the pen has a diamond-thread design so you don’t drop the pen when you’re fighting off attackers. This pen is suitable for preppers who often go on outdoor trips. (Related: Here’s why you should carry a tactical flashlight, and tips on how to use it.)
• Uzi Tactical Pen Self-defense Tool (Uzi TP1-01) – You can keep this durable pen in your car since it also comes with a glass breaker. The Uzi TP1-01 is often used by First Responders, Marines, military pilots, Navy SEALs, and SWAT because it can withstand the elements. Made from aircraft grade aluminum, this pen has a diamond thread grip. It’s also discreet enough to be carried in your briefcase or pocket. The sleek-looking Uzi TP1-01 is an ergonomically designed and light-weight pen.

Keep these tips in mind when choosing a tactical pen for your EDC kit so you’re always ready when disaster strikes.

Sources include:

PreppersWill.com

USPatriotTactical.com

There are many prepping myths that have no basis in reality. They are often perpetuated by media and word of mouth as incredible feats of survival. However, if they sound unbelievable, there’s probably a good reason why. Following these common survival myths and old wives’ tales can easily get you killed when SHTF. Keep your mind sharp and avoid falling for any of these common prepping myths. (h/t to TheSurvivalistBlog.net)

Drinking your own urine is safe

In a survival situation, having access to clean drinking water should be one of your priorities. Some people may resort to drinking their own urine when all other sources of water have been exhausted. Not only is this option not safe or hygienic, it will only make you even more dehydrated in the long run. Urine is full of waste products that your kidneys have already expelled from your body. By drinking your urine, you are only reintroducing this waste back into your body. Instead of drinking your urine, you can use it to wet a piece of cloth and wrap it around your body. As the liquid evaporates, it will produce a cooling effect. You might end up smelling like your own pee, but it’s better than dying of heat stroke. (Related: Common survival myths that could literally get you killed.)

It is easy to start a fire without tools

You might have seen situations in movies wherein a character rubs two wooden sticks together and immediately produces a small flame. While it is technically possible to start a fire using this method, it is actually a lot more difficult than most people realize. It also takes a lot of practice. If you need to build a campfire, you’ll be better off with a lighter, some matches, or a ferro rod. You might also want to consider getting stormproof matches. Once normal matches get wet, they won’t work again, even if you dry them afterwards.

You can always live off the land when SHTF

Many preppers have this idea that when SHTF, they can just retreat to some remote location in the woods and bug out in the wilderness until society returns to normal. Unfortunately, this option is not feasible for everyone. If you plan to forage and hunt for food, you will need to be highly skilled and knowledgeable in these topics. Eating poisonous plants can kill you or make you violently ill. You should have an encyclopedic knowledge of your local biome to be able to identify which plants, berries, and mushrooms are edible or not. Some plants may even be edible but provide no nutrition. Hunting animals for food doesn’t only require you to be skilled enough to trap them. It also requires your area to have a large enough animal population to sustain your needs.

Packing enough survival gear can overcome your lack of skill

There is no doubt that recent advancements in technology have made it easier for people to live off the grid. However, your survival gear is only as good as your survival plan. What use is having a mountain of prepping equipment if you don’t know how to use it in the first place? Tools can make certain tasks easier, but they won’t solve all your problems. Your own ingenuity and skill can sometimes get you out of a survival situation better than all the survival gear in the world can.

You are better off as a lone wolf

Humans are naturally social creatures. Being in a group can certainly improve your chances of survival. Even just having one more person with you can make it easier to share responsibilities. It also allows at least one person to keep watch while the other sleeps.

Sources include:

TheSurvivalistBlog.net

ThePrepared.com

Situational awareness is an essential survival skill that all preppers should learn to practice. It involves conditioning yourself to achieve a state of mind relative to being alert of one’s surroundings and situations. This sense of heightened awareness allows you to assess potential risks and see trouble coming from far away. That way, you can safely leave the area before the trouble even begins. By practicing situational awareness in your everyday life, you will be able to avoid conflict. Stay prepared for every situation by following these useful tips to help you build situational awareness. (h/t to ModernSurvivalBlog.com)

Observe your environment

Whether you are in a crowded city or a sparsely populated rural area, you should always be on the lookout for any signs of trouble. A city environment is often bound to have far more potential threats than a rural one. If you are in a crowded area, observe what other people are wearing and doing. Pay close attention to anyone who is wearing clothes outside of the norm or is not suitable for that environment. You should also watch for other people who are equally observant and looking at their surroundings. They might know something that you don’t. (Related: Critical survival skill: Teach yourself and your kids situational awareness.)

Keep your mental focus outward, not inward

This is especially important when you are in a public area. If you are unfocused, distracted, or too wrapped up in whatever you are currently doing, you will only make yourself an easy target for thieves and criminals. Keep your head up and look confident. This will help you keep your guard up. Avoid daydreaming in public.

Mind your own body language

Facial expressions and non-verbal language can also reveal a lot about a person’s intentions. Always walk with purpose. This may be difficult to do at first, but with enough time and practice, it will become part of your natural body language.

Avoid placing yourself in a vulnerable situation

If you are in a public area, try to sit at a corner with your back against the wall. This will give you full view of any suspicious activity happening around you.

Pay attention to your gut feeling

Pay attention to a general sense of unease in the air. If you have a bad feeling about something, try to find out why.

Blend in with the crowd

Assess the baseline of the environment you’re in, and wear neutral clothes to avoid sticking out.

Avoid complacency

When everything is going according to plan, it can be easy to become complacent. Prevent complacency by doing a mental check every now and then.

Continually assess the situation

Just because you made a quick scan of your surroundings and deemed it safe, doesn’t mean it will stay safe. Utilize your peripheral vision to remain alert for anything out of the ordinary.

Know your escape routes

Wherever you are, always identify all the possible exits and escape routes. Since most people tend to flock to the same exit where they first came in, this often creates a bottleneck at that main exit. You should find an alternate route just in case. If ever SHTF, knowing where the emergency exits are can mean the difference between life and death.

Have a plan of action

In case you ever find yourself in a dangerous situation, you should plan your exit strategy in advance. If you are at a restaurant, there will likely be an employee exit in the kitchen. If you are parking your car, back it in for a quicker exit. Your goal should be conflict avoidance, so make sure you know when it is best to just leave immediately or when you have to defend yourself.

Sources include:

ModernSurvivalBlog.com

GunCarrier.com

BeSurvival.com

As with the world it prepares for, the prepping lifestyle is dynamic and ever-changing. Whereas everyday carry (EDC) used to be an oft-forgotten topic among preppers, it is now being considered to be an essential component of survival. EDC loadouts can range from containing only bare-bones minimalist tools to a full complement of equipment. There is no “correct” EDC solution, as each of us have our own personal goals, physical capabilities, and prepper leanings. However, complacency can hit any of us, and an incorrectly prepared EDC can cause more hard than good.

Let’s review a few of the more common EDC mistakes even seasoned preppers make. (h/t to ModernSurvivalOnline.com)

Not carrying it

Let us reiterate: EDC means EveryDay Carry. This means you should carry it every day. EDCs are similar to a bug-out bag (BOB) in that they should be both well-stocked and easy to carry. The balance is tricky to find, but it’s well worth the effort. The perfect EDC should have carefully curated and selected items that you deem to be valuable to always have on your person.

The beauty of this is that it allows you to choose what items you want. From pocket knives to multi-tools, you choose which items are a must.

Being conspicuous

One of the biggest mistakes in packing or buying an EDC is finding one that has tell-tale signs of it being meant for prepping. Don’t let other people know that you are prepared or self-sufficient. This makes you more of a target than anything.

If your EDC bag is overtly tactified in appearance, consider changing it.

Allowing weapons to print

This follows from the previous point. You never want to let other people know that you are armed. You might think this is not a big deal, but trust us: People pay attention — especially when a situation goes against the “norm.” Even the densest person will subconsciously take note if a person next to them is carrying a weapon.

Pocket knives are one of the biggest offenders in this category. Do not carry a pocket knife with a clip on it. The clip is a BIG sign that you have a folding crew-served knife in your pocket.

Not maintaining your tools

So you have your EDC, what next? Remember that your tools are only useful if they work. Make sure that the items you carry on you regularly are well taken cared of.

The most obvious example of this would be to keep your knives sharp. Similarly, any metal items need to be regularly lubricated or refinished.

Guns, likewise, need to be oiled and free of dust bunnies. Guns will malfunction without care.

Not practicing with your EDC

To prep is to assume the unknown. BOBs are lauded for their usefulness during SHTF situations, but EDCs are necessary because they keep you prepared whenever and for whatever.

To be fair, some things don’t require much practice. You don’t need to keep on practicing how to use your lighter, for example. But other things you carry, like medical supplies, need to be practiced on. If you don’t have the skills to use the tools in your EDC, they would be more of good luck charms than anything else. (Related: Everyday carry: Here’s what a former SAS special operator carries in case of a terrorist attack.)

Carrying too much

Yes, there really is no such thing as the “perfect” EDC. That said, your on-body EDC should be able to serve you by enhancing your capabilities in case of emergencies, and not cover any imaginable contingency (which BOBs are for).

Remember that prepping is a lifestyle, and is heavily reliant on your mindset. This includes keeping your head straight, and understanding the need for certain equipment for certain situations.

Sources include:

ModernSurvivalOnline.com

ThePrepperJournal.com

Super glue may seem out of place in a first aid kit but if you know how to use it, this item could be the most important tool in your survival gear. (h/t to TheOrganicPrepper.com)

Take note that the information provided here should only be used when you have no access to medical care.

Super glue will bond to almost anything. Army Medics and Navy Corpsman are the first to use one of the greatest inventions in the field during the Vietnam War. They used super glue as a makeshift first aid tool on patients with cuts.

When placing a standard interrupted suture for every stitch, you also make two new wounds and two new avenues of infection. By using super glue, you effectively remove that route of infection (Related: These are the items that you need in your first-aid kit if you just want to carry the bare minimum.)

How to use super glue on a cut

When SHTF and you need immediate medical attention, you can use super glue to seal a shallow or deep cut. Super glue can protect a cut from infection.

Follow the instructions below to seal a cut with super glue.

1. Make sure that the wound is not bleeding. You should only use super glue on a dry and clean cut to prevent infections. Using super glue before cleaning a wound may result in septicemia, a severe type of bloodstream infection. Also called blood poisoning, septicemia occurs when a bacterial infection somewhere else in the body, like the lungs or skin, enters the bloodstream. This is dangerous because the bacteria and their toxins can be carried through the bloodstream to the entire body. This condition can become life-threatening, and it requires immediate treatment in a hospital. When left untreated, septicemia can progress to sepsis.
2. When the wound is clean and dry, apply the super glue. Don’t use too much glue. If you close both the muscle and the skin by applying super glue below skin level, the cut will start to itch. When super glue is applied below the skin level, the body thinks it is being invaded so it will try to fight back, causing itchiness.
3. Close the cut while applying the super glue. Start from either edge. Pinch the wound closed, then apply a drop or two of super glue along the first 1/4 inch of the cut.
4. Hold the cut until it dries completely. Move up, then repeat the process until the wound is completely closed.
5. Dress the cut with a band-aid. This gives the wound an extra layer of protection.

Your super glue options include:

• Dermabond Skin Adhesive (Ethicon and Johnson & Johnson) – This option is single-use, but it will do in a pinch.
• Super Glue Ultra Gel (Loctite) – This super glue is fairly flexible and it lasts much longer than the standard super glues.
• Vetbond Tissue Adhesive (3m) – This affordable medical grade glue has similar properties to Dermabond, but the Vetbond Tissue adhesive can be used multiple times.

Tips for using super glue

Don’t use cheap super glues or thin liquid glues in your first aid kit because these will run deep into the wound. Cheaper glues will also turn white and flake off in minutes, which leaves the cut unprotected.

Don’t use super glue on joints like your elbow or knee. When it dries, super glue isn’t very flexible.

Never use super glue on animal or human bites. Bites are associated with a very high risk of infection, which is one reason why most bites are not closed.

Super glue should only be used as a last resort because it is associated with certain risks, such as an allergic reaction, infection, or tissue necrosis.

Keep these tips in mind so you can use super glue safely for first aid when SHTF.

Sources include:

TheOrganicPrepper.com

Healthline.com