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

Even in this modern day and age, deadly viruses continue to pose a considerable threat because of how easily they can spread like wildfire. They can come without warning, making them difficult to anticipate and control. Densely populated cities and urban areas are the most vulnerable to these infectious diseases due to how crowded they are. If you want to help prevent the spread of infection, you should become better prepared to handle these deadly diseases by learning how to immediately spot their symptoms. (h/t to DoomAndBloom.net.)

Dengue virus

Commonly found in tropical and subtropical parts of the world, the dengue virus is spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. The symptoms begin to appear four to seven days after being bitten. These symptoms include high fever, headaches, muscle and joint pain, nausea, vomiting, rashes, and swollen glands. This disease is sometimes referred to as “breakbone fever” due to the intense pain it causes to the muscles and joints. Fortunately, most people affected by dengue typically recover within a week. However, for those unlucky few with compromised circulatory systems, the illness may progress into a hemorrhagic fever that has a 20 percent death rate. Other severe symptoms that may accompany the fever include spontaneous bleeding under the skin, difficulty breathing, heightened abdominal pain, and blood in the urine, stool or vomit. To prevent the spread of dengue, you should practice good hygiene and avoid areas where there are plenty of mosquitoes.

Rotavirus

The rotavirus is a food-borne illness that is spread through the consumption of contaminated food or water. Every year, this disease kills over half a million children worldwide. While the rotavirus is deadlier in less-developed countries, it is still so prevalent that the World Health Organization believes that every child in the world has been infected with it at least once. After being ingested, the rotavirus attacks the cells of the gut lining, producing a toxin that results in adverse symptoms, such as severe watery diarrhea, fever, cramps, abdominal pain, and vomiting. However, it is the severe watery diarrhea that is the most dangerous symptom of the rotavirus as it may easily lead to severe dehydration in infants and small children. It is important that children afflicted by rotavirus are able to sufficiently replenish their bodily fluids. You can decrease your possibility of contamination by always making sure that your food comes from a clean and reliable source.

Rabies

The word “rabies” is derived from the Latin word for “madness,” and with good reason. As the disease progresses, it quickly deteriorates the mental state of the infected person, leading to symptoms such as confusion, agitation, paranoia, anxiety, terror, hallucinations, hydrophobia, and general delirium. Rabies directly attacks the salivary glands, which makes the saliva the main route of infection. Rabies is frequently associated with dogs, as they are responsible for over 99 percent of cases in most countries. However, bats and some rodents may also be carriers of rabies. A person can then get infected with rabies through bites or scratches from that animal. After being bitten by a rabid animal, the infected person will not experience the first symptoms until after an incubation period of around one to three months. These symptoms include fever, headaches, and paralysis, but as soon as these symptoms appear, it is almost certainly too late to treat the rabies infection. If left untreated, rabies has a death rate of almost 100 percent. The easiest way to avoid being infected in the first place is to keep away from aggressive dogs and other animals. (Related: From rabies to salmonella: 5 diseases you can get from your pet.)

Learn more about deadly viral infections by going to Outbreak.news.

Sources include: 

DoomAndBloom.net

PlanetDeadly.com

When SHTF, you do what you must to survive, especially when it is a matter of life and death. Sometimes, that might include doing things that are ethically or morally questionable. After all, isn’t scavenging practically the same as looting? Well, not exactly. Some people might consider both to be stealing, but survival scavenging is slightly more justified in that it isn’t just about taking what you want. It’s about finding things that you need to survive. It is also more justified if you only take from items that have been discarded or are no longer being used. In a sense, you are giving new life to something that has outlived its original purpose. Here are a few useful tips you should follow when scavenging for supplies post-SHTF. (h/t to ModernSurvivalOnline.com)

Survival scavenging should only be done as a last resort

Before even considering survival scavenging, you must first exhaust all other possible options. There are plenty of legal ways to get food, clothing, shelter, and medical supplies. Perhaps there might be emergency shelters in your area that are still accepting people. Churches and community centers are also places that are often welcoming to those in need. Only when you have tried every viable option and still come back empty-handed should you attempt survival scavenging. (Related: Survival scavenging: 10 Items you can re-purpose when SHTF.)

Make a scavenging plan

Carefully think about what you specifically need, and then make your plan based around those items. Think about where you might be able to find these items. As much as possible, you should never scavenge alone. Not only will it be easier for you to work as a team, but you will be able to get help in case anything happens to you or anyone else in your group. To scavenge more efficiently, you should start looking in areas that are the furthest away, and then work your way back toward your camp. If you have a map, you should mark the areas that you have already checked, so that you can avoid scavenging in the same area twice.

Send a scout before doing any actual scavenging

You don’t want to be caught red-handed in case the owner of the items you are rummaging through is actually still there. Before doing anything else, you should first send a scout to make sure no one else is in the vicinity or has any rightful claim to the items. If possible, your scout should be equipped with binoculars, a radio, and a gun for self-defense. The scout should use the binoculars to survey the area for several hours to ensure that it is safe to scavenge there and that there are no bandits lying around. They can then communicate with the rest of your group using the radio and inform them if the area is worth the trouble or not.

Know how to react if you are confronted

On the off chance that you do get caught red-handed while scavenging, you should know the proper protocol to avoid escalating the conflict to a potentially deadly situation. It is important to make no sudden moves, as the person who caught you might be armed with a gun. Try to give off a non-threatening vibe by remaining cool, calm, collected, and friendly. Apologize profusely and clearly explain to the other person what you are doing and why. They might be reasonable and let you have the items. If they aren’t, then don’t push your luck. Leave and don’t come back.

Learn more tips on survival scavenging by going to Survival.news.

Sources include:

ModernSurvivalOnline.com

UrbanSurvivalSite.com

In case SHTF, you will need a well-stocked pantry if you plan to wait out whatever disaster will be occurring in the world outside. However, for your long-term survival, you will need to think of your food supply not just as a means of avoiding starvation, but also as a way to get the right amount of nutrients in your body. You will need a variety of high-quality, nutrient-dense foods, since not all survival foods are created equal. Here are some of the best survival foods you should stock up on for your survival pantry. (h/t to Survivopedia.com.)

Meats

Your body needs plenty of protein, especially if you are in a survival situation. Fortunately, animal meat contains all of the eight essential amino acids that are the building blocks of protein. Beef jerky is delicious, nutritious, and easy to make. You can get 12 grams of high-quality protein from an ounce of cured or smoked beef jerky. Another way to stockpile meat is to make pemmican, which is a classic “native” survival food that is made of a combination of fruit and dehydrated meat. If processed and stored properly, it can have a shelf life of at least 50 years. You can also stock up on canned meats. If you have the resources, you might even want to consider raising your own livestock as a viable protein source. (Related: The top sources of protein in a survival homestead.)

Fish

Canned fish are cost-efficient survival foods that you can easily stock up on, even if you have a limited budget. They even conveniently come in pre-cooked and ready-to-eat forms. Tuna, sardines, salmon, herring, and other fatty fish are rich sources of nutrients and healthy fats. You can easily buy sardines in bulk, since they have such incredibly long shelf lives. As much as possible, try to stock up on fish that was caught in the wild. Try to avoid “farmed fish” as the way they are grown often strips away any health benefits your body could gain from eating them.

Dairy products

Dairy products, such as milk, cheese, and butter, can help supplement your protein and calcium intake. If you are already raising livestock, you can raise goats to provide milk and even make cheese, butter, and other dairy products from this milk. Alternatively, you can stock up on dried, powdered milk. It might not be as appetizing as fresh milk, but with enough practice, you can even learn to make your own yogurt, cheese, pudding, or bread out of it. Cheese can store for a very long time, especially when frozen.

Fruits and vegetables

You’ll be missing out on plenty of essential vitamins and minerals if you don’t include a healthy amount of fruits and vegetables in your survival pantry. You can even save the seeds to grow your own survival garden. Even if they won’t be fresh, dehydrated fruits are nutrient-dense, lightweight, and easy to store. They are excellent sources of carbohydrates and simple sugars. You can add them to other recipes or eat them on their own. Mix them with some nuts and grains to create a healthy trail mix. Some ideal fruits that you should stock up on include dried prunes, apricots, figs, cranberries, and raisins.

Sources include:

Survivopedia.com

SkilledSurvival.com

Through the years, dogs have constantly proven why they deserve to be called “man’s best friend.” They’re affectionate, dependable, protective, and smart, making them the perfect companion to have when SHTF. (h/t to ThePreppingGuide.com)

However, there are many different dog breeds to choose from. They all have various pros and cons but if you’re not sure what kind of dog to get, check out the list below for seven of the best dog breeds that will suit the prepping lifestyle.

1. Akita

The Akita is a large breed that hails from Japan. Akitas are suitable guard dogs, and they are loyal to their friends and family. This breed can be very loving to people it spends most of its time with.

While the Akita is a very alert breed, they need to be trained well. If they’re not adequately socialized, Akitas may be hostile toward people they’re unfamiliar with.

Akitas would make great dogs for preppers because they are strong and intelligent.

2. Alaskan Malamute

Alaskan Malamutes resemble their wolf ancestors. These dogs are particularly smart and they’re great hunters. However, compared to other large dog breeds, they have a relatively long lifespan of about 12 to 15 years.

As a large, strong breed with great endurance and energy, Alaskan Malamutes are a great choice for preppers.

3. Bernese Mountain Dog

While they’re not as popular as the other breeds in this list, Bernese Mountain Dogs are strong and capable. These dogs are calmer and more good-natured than other breeds, which makes them ideal pets for when SHTF.

Originally trained to work on farms, Bernese Mountain Dogs are great at herding. These dogs are strong enough to pull carts heavier than themselves, and they’re very protective and loyal to their family.

4. Border Collie

Border Collies are one of the most intelligent and energetic breeds, making them excellent work dogs. This breed has been used as herding dogs for thousands of years.

Border Collies are incredibly smart and they’re one of the easiest breeds to train. These dogs are always eager to please their owners and they will do almost anything for you.

5. German Shepherd Dogs (GSDs)

The German Shepherd is one of the most intelligent dog breeds. These dogs can be trained to master different tasks, and they are often seen working with law enforcement officers or on active duty alongside military personnel.

Originally trained to herd sheep, GSDs are also often used as efficient guard dogs. Additionally, GSDs are known for their strength.

If you have children, consider getting a German Shepherd. With proper training and socialization, these dogs can be “very gentle companions and family protectors.” Their intelligence and protective demeanor make them a good choice for active households.

German Shepherds would make for great dogs for preppers because they have extraordinary trainability, high fear factor, and incredible stamina. Lastly, and most importantly, German Shepherds are loyal.

6. Labrador Retriever

Labrador Retrievers, sometimes called Labs, were often used as hunting dogs. Labs were originally trained to retrieve fishing nets because of their excellent swimming abilities, which is due in part to their unique webbed paws.

Labs are a great choice for preppers because of their intelligence, kind nature, and amazing hunting abilities. This breed is very smart and easily trained.

Labs have an excellent sense of hearing and smell, making them the perfect guard dogs. (Related: Pro tips: Simple ways to keep your home safe from burglars.)

7. Rottweilers

Rottweilers are another breed that is often used as guard dogs. As one of the largest breeds, Rotties have an intimidating presence that could scare away potential attackers when SHTF.

They were originally bred to pull carts and herd livestock, but in modern times Rotties are regarded as one of the best breeds for guard dogs.

If you want a protective companion, get a Rottweiler. These dogs are intelligent and they have a great sense of smell and amazing hearing. Rotties are dedicated and loyal to their family, and they will protect them at all costs.

Even if disaster doesn’t strike, you can benefit from having one of these dog breeds as your pet. Everyone needs an intelligent, loving, and loyal companion like a well-trained dog that can also protect you when SHTF.

Sources include:

ThePreppingGuide.com

TheSprucePets.com

Self-reliance means being able to take care of yourself without needing help from anyone else. This might be one of the most important skills you can learn to prepare yourself for when SHTF, but it can also help you to get through any difficult situation in your everyday life. It can give you the chance to become a more independent and well-rounded individual. That way, you can live life on your own terms and better plan for your future. Here are some useful tips you can follow to become a more self-reliant person. (h/t to FoodStorageMoms.com.)

Learn how to cook from scratch

No matter how much money you have, there may come a time when you will be unable to simply buy pre-cooked meals at a store or restaurant. You might find yourself all alone during a survival situation. In this scenario, you will have to make do with whatever you have stocked in your pantry or refrigerator. This is also an excellent reason to always keep your pantry well-stocked. Either way, you will need to make a meal from scratch or end up going to bed hungry. Fortunately, learning how to cook basic meals shouldn’t be too hard if you have access to the internet. There are plenty of tutorial videos you can watch to pick up a few easy recipes that make use of common ingredients. If you want a more hands-on approach, you can enroll in a cooking class and learn directly from experts. You can even exchange tips with like-minded people.

Grow an edible garden

Another step you can take towards total self-reliance is to grow your own food supply. What could possibly be more satisfying by cooking a meal from scratch using the vegetables you grew yourself? Even if you don’t reach the level of complete, self-reliant food production, growing an edible garden can certainly supplement your existing food supply. An edible garden can even help you save on expenses. Why make a trip to your local grocery store when you can easily get your fresh pick of produce right in your backyard? The best part is that you aren’t limited by the availability of your favorite fruits and vegetables on the market. As long as you can grow it, you get to eat it. (Related: Self-reliance in the city: One family proves it’s possible.)

Learn more practical skills

You can gain a sense of accomplishment by learning a variety of new and useful skills. With a wider and more diverse skill set, you will become less likely to feel helpless when faced with a challenging situation. Self-reliance can push you out of your comfort zone and force you to adapt to any scenario. It can move you along the right path to self-improvement and progress. Why stop at cooking and gardening? There are so many practical skills out there just waiting for you to learn them. You can apply these skills during a survival situation or even in your everyday life. What is important is that you never stop learning. With an arsenal of practical skills at your disposal, you can overcome anything.

Make a reasonable budget and commit to it

If you really want to save money, it will require discipline. You will have to let go of the occasional luxuries to focus on what you actually need to get by. Live on less money than you make, so that you can set aside money for the future. Try to save a minimum of at least a dollar a week. This can be a feasible goal and you can use the money as an emergency fund if ever SHTF. Another practical skill you can learn is how to make basic repairs. This can also help you to save money, since you will be able to avoid buying items to replace broken ones.

Sources include:

FoodStorageMoms.com

TheLawOfAttraction.com

It can sometimes be difficult for preppers to resist the urge to hoard large quantities of survival gear and other useful items on the off chance that these might come in handy later on. After all, having the right materials at the right time can allow you to be more prepared for a greater variety of challenges. But what is the point of a home so filled to the brim with prepping equipment that it is impossible to find anything when you actually need it?

There is nothing wrong with stocking up on plenty of survival gear as long as everything is properly organized and easily accessible at a moment’s notice. Here are five useful tips on getting organized the prepper way. (h/t to LivingLifeInRuralIowa.com.)

Declutter your home

This is an endeavor that you should commit to entirely. Do a thorough sweep of your home and get rid of all unnecessary junk. Take the time to declutter your home to create more free space. This endeavor shouldn’t be rushed, so you should ideally devote around one to three months to sort out what should stay and what should go. There are many ways to give new life to items that have outlived their usefulness. You can sell them at a yard sale to make a small profit or you can simply donate them to people whom you think would still be able to make use of them. If you can think outside the box, you can even find other uses for items other than what they were originally intended for. (Related: Survival scavenging: 10 Items you can re-purpose when SHTF.)

Identify and prioritize your belongings

Go through all of your personal belongings and categorize them based on their practical use or what they personally mean to you. Your main priority should be survival gear and items that are beneficial to your health and well-being. Decorative and sentimental items can still have a place in your home, as long as they can justify the amount of space they take up. This means that if they really do have sentimental value for you, they shouldn’t just be tucked away in a corner gathering dust. Keepsakes can inspire you and keep memories alive, but you shouldn’t accumulate them to the point of hoarding. Follow the “Power of Three” by keeping only three of each type of item. For example, you can keep up to three motivational posters and get rid of any duplicates.

Have a system in place

In an emergency situation, every second counts. If you suddenly need to get your first aid kit, do you instinctively know where it is? You can’t waste precious time looking through your belongings when someone’s life could be on the line. Having an organized system in place can go a long way. Your critical survival gear should be in the most easily accessible areas of your home. Familiarize yourself with where you place everything, so that you can quickly grab your prepping items without even thinking. You can also keep better track of your supplies by having an inventory.

Buy storage containers

In order to keep your personal belongings out of sight and organized in a logical way, you should store them in convenient baskets, buckets, bins, or other storage containers. Your storage cases don’t even have to be brand new. Second-hand containers can do the job just as well as new ones. Use post-it notes to label your containers so that you know where everything is. Everything should be neatly tucked away and properly arranged when not in use. Storage containers can also be stacked on top of each other to maximize your free space.

Put together your kits and bug-out bags

If you haven’t prepared them already, take this chance to put together your family’s 72-hour survival kits, first aid kits, and bug-out bags (BOB). You can make an inventory list for the items in these kits as well. That way, while you’re organizing your home, you can already set aside items on the list as soon as you find them. Keep your BOB just as organized as your home by packing everything in an orderly and easily accessible manner.

Sources include:

LivingLifeInRuralIowa.com

SurvivalBlog.com

Dental care is essential for your overall health. When SHTF, you can take care of your teeth by keeping dental emergency kits. (h/t to SurvivalSullivan.com.)

Post-SHTF dental care

In a normal situation, dental emergencies are more painful than they are medically serious. However, when SHTF you need to be able to handle minor dental issues on your own to prevent infections or diseases.

When you have gum disease, bacteria from your mouth may enter your bloodstream. This produces a protein that makes your blood thicken, meaning clots are more likely to form. If your heart doesn’t get the nutrients and oxygen it needs, you have an increased risk of a heart attack.

You may face various kinds of dental issues when disaster strikes, but the items in these kits should help you address them.

Basic dental emergency kit

This kit contains common items that can treat many basic dental emergencies. Keep this in your survival gear at all times.

1. Gloves – Keep a pair of medical gloves in your kit. You can also use a pair of thin gloves. As an added precaution, use vinyl gloves instead of latex gloves which may trigger a latex allergy.
2. Light source – You’ll need a light source, like a candle, flashlight, or the sun, and a small mirror so you can properly see the wound you are trying to treat.
3. Salt water – A salt water solution is a simple yet effective antiseptic and antibacterial. This can be used to wash out any wound with or without debris. Make this at home by adding several tablespoons of salt to a tall glass of water. Mix well.
4. Small mirror – If you don’t have a small mirror, use a clean spoon to get a closer look at the wound. Never use a shard of mirror because you could cut the gum or cheek by accident.
5. Toothbrush – Keep one toothbrush in your dental emergency kit. Stock up on extra toothbrushes because you don’t want to run out when SHTF.

Intermediate dental emergency kit

This kit adds more items to the basic kit detailed above. You can find these extra items in local shops.

1. Alcohol wipes – Alcohol wipes come in individual packets, and you can use them to clean the affected area.
2. Cotton balls – Cotton balls are multi-purpose items that can be used to plug bleeding caused by a knocked out tooth. Cotton balls can also be soaked in liquid pain reliever and applied directly to an exposed root, or you can use them to provide a barrier between a broken tooth edge and the inside of your cheek.
3. Floss – Flossing is just as important as brushing. Flossing removes food that may get stuck between your teeth.
4. Gauze – Gauze can be used to plug bleeding. Buy gauze in a sealed packet from a pharmacy or drug store to prevent infection in your mouth.
5. Ibuprofen or paracetamol – When SHTF, you won’t always have spare time to create natural remedies. Use painkillers like ibuprofen or paracetamol sparingly. Always read the package, and don’t take more than 4 g of paracetamol a day.
6. Vaseline – Use Vaseline to cover exposed nerve roots and empty fillings. If your tooth has fallen out and you want to take it to an emergency dentist to have it refitted, store the tooth in some Vaseline. The mixture will prevent the tooth from “dying” while you wait for reinsertion.

Advanced emergency dental kit

This kit includes everything from the previous two kits, along with some harder-to-find and more expensive items that can address more serious dental issues.

1. Clove oil – Order clove oil online or buy it from the local drug store. Clove oil has a very strong taste, and it contains active compounds that can treat nerve and tooth pain. Since the oil has a low side-effect profile, it’s safe for almost anyone to take.
2. Dental wax – Use this wax to coat braces or the sharp edges of broken or fractured teeth.
3. Disposable cold compress – Use a disposable cold compress to reduce swelling, pain, and further damage to your tooth.
4. Hydrogen peroxide – This is a stronger antiseptic compared to salt water or alcohol wipes. Read the instructions first before using hydrogen peroxide, and never swallow the solution.
5. Temporary filling – This paste may be more expensive than other items in your kit, but it is a life saver. Use this if your filling is knocked out, which may expose the tender root underneath. Exposed roots will cause pain, but using a temporary filling will offer almost instant relief.
6. Tooth solution – You can get tooth solution from a dental or medical center. A tooth solution is a vial of salt water that has the same salinity as your body. Using tooth solution increases the rate of a tooth being re-implanted successfully. Keep in mind that you only have a couple of hours to have a tooth planted.
7. Topical anesthetic – Like the painkillers in the intermediate kit, you need to use a topical anesthetic sparingly. While a topical anesthetic offers immediate relief, it is also very short-acting.

Take note that the information in this article is no substitute for professional medical care.

Visit SurvivalMedicine.news to read more tips on how to maintain oral care when SHTF.

Sources include:

SurvivalSullivan.com

DentalHealth.org

Finding shelter should be your top priority if you ever get lost somewhere far away from civilization. While extreme thirst or hunger can take anywhere from three days to a few weeks to kill you, exposure to the harsh elements can quickly take your life in a matter of hours. The good news is that you don’t need a lot of experience or equipment to build your own temporary shelter. When SHTF, here are four survival shelters you can build using only what nature can provide. (h/t to PreppersWill.com)

Round lodge shelter

One of the simplest shelters that can be built with minimal equipment, the round lodge shelter takes its architectural influences from many different cultures. Part Native American tipi and part wickiup, the round lodge shelter is built in a triangular cone shape that can provide adequate protection from the wind, rain, and sun. At the same time, this shelter can accommodate a small fire inside it. A smoke hole in the roof of the shelter can also provide proper ventilation. To build your round lodge shelter, you must first collect tree limbs and branches that are around five to eight feet long in length. Next, find a form of thatching, such as grass, that you can use to tie the branches together. Next, stack the branches in the shape of a triangular cone. Once your shelter begins to take form, you can create a doorway by horizontally placing a few branches together in the opening of your shelter, just a few feet off the ground.

Lean-to shelter

This primitive shelter is one of the most widely used makeshift shelters, since it can easily be put together in less than an hour. Its basic, one-sided design makes it easy to build using nearly any kind of material. However, this simple design has two main drawbacks. First, a lean-to shelter can only provide protection from one side, such as protection against strong winds that only blow in one direction. Second, it doesn’t retain heat very well. A lean-to shelter can still be incredibly useful in certain situations, but it is not meant to provide long-term shelter. To build your lean-to shelter, try to find two trees that can support a stout pole between them. Next, secure the pole horizontally across the trees to serve as a support strut. Then, stack more poles and branches along the support strut to create a slanted wall. Cover the exterior of this wall with leaves, grass, palm fronds, or any other vegetation you can find.

Leaf hut

The two-sided leaf hut is basically an upgraded version of a lean-to shelter. This allows it to provide greater insulation and protection against the elements. To build a leaf hut, you will first need to find a sturdy pole around eight- to 12-feet long. Next, prop your ridge pole against a natural fork formation, such as a stump, tree, rock, or two forked prop sticks. Create “ribs” along your ridge pole by stacking branches at an angle on both sides of the pole. Cover the walls with moss, grass, leaves, pine needles, and other vegetation, but keep the ribs close together to prevent the covering from falling through. Around two to three feet of vegetation on each side of your leaf hut should be enough to trap heat and air keep you dry inside. (Related: How to make a formidable temporary shelter when SHTF.)

Snow cave

Being stranded in a snowy area can leave you with limited options for a survival shelter. You might have no other choice but to build a snow cave. However, great caution must be taken in building this shelter. If built incorrectly, it might not be able to provide proper ventilation. The ceiling might even collapse and bury you alive. Still, with enough practice, you should be able to safely create your own snow cave by finding a deep, solid snowbank and digging into the immediate left of it. Create a “cold well” by forming a tunnel into a low spot, where the cold air can accumulate. Past the cold well, you can start digging upwards to create a solid base for a sleeping platform. Lastly, dig a six-inch wide hole at the roof of your snow cave for ventilation.

Sources include:

PreppersWill.com

OutdoorLife.com

If a thief were to break into your home right now, how protected would your valuables be? Do you simply place them in your bedside drawer at night, or do you lock them away in a sturdy safe? Most people tend to place their valuables in one of these locations, which makes them the areas that thieves would most likely target first. A locked drawer can easily be picked, while a locked safe can be stolen entirely and forcefully opened somewhere else. Such hiding spots attract attention, but if you were to hide your belongings someplace less interesting, a thief would be more likely to overlook them than if they were stored in a secure but conspicuous place. Keep your valuable items safely hidden in plain sight by keeping them in these secret hiding places. (h/t to MDCreekmore.com).

Empty cans

Rather than throwing away empty food cans, why not repurpose them as makeshift storage containers for jewelry, money, and other important items? First, buy a cheap can of whatever food item you don’t normally eat. You’re just after the can, not what’s inside it, so be sure to choose the can based on the size that you want. Next, you should remove the can’s label. Trace the label on a piece of firm but flexible cardboard and cut out the pattern. You should now have a piece of cardboard that is identical in size to the label. Then, take the can and carefully cut it in half with a hacksaw. Once you have emptied the can of its contents, you should wash it clean and place the piece of cardboard inside the bottom half of the can. This will serve as the inner support for your storage container. Fill the lower half of the can with your valuables, and cover it with the upper half. Seal the can with tape and glue the label back on. Keep your new container in your pantry, hidden alongside other cans.

Old vacuum cleaner

If you have an old vacuum cleaner that no longer works, you can use its bag as another convenient hiding place for important belongings. Of course, you should make sure to first thoroughly clean the bag before placing anything in, otherwise you might end up with dusty and grimy jewelry. If you don’t have an old or broken vacuum cleaner, you might be able to find a second-hand one at a thrift store. For convenient access, you will want a vacuum cleaner with a bag that opens up easily. If you have any family members living with you, be sure to inform them that the vacuum cleaner is not for actual cleaning use. (Related: Prepping tip: How to hide your valuables in plain sight.)

Hollowed-out books

This is a clever trick used in many movies, but despite its prevalence in pop culture and its common practice in real life, this hiding spot should not be underestimated. There is a reason why it works so well. If you have a large library of books at home, your hollowed-out book can easily blend in with the rest of your collection. A potential thief wouldn’t waste his time inspecting each and every book. The trick is to make the spine of your book look as uninteresting as possible. If you want to take it a step further, you can hollow out a thick stack of old magazines that have been tightly bound together using twine. A thief is even less likely to take any interest in such a mundane hiding place.

Learn more ways to protect your valuables by going to Preparedness.news.

Sources include:

MDCreekmore.com

YourHomeSecurityWatch.com