Practical Prepping Blog

When the power goes out, you need backup lighting and energy sources. Many of these will be obvious but hopefully we provide some contingency options you have not thought of before.

》Backup Lighting

Rechargeable Flashlights: These are great because you can charge them with a USB, solar panel, or even a hand crank. Go for ones with long battery life and different brightness settings.

Emergency Light Bulbs: These look like regular LED bulbs but have a built-in battery. When the power goes out, they automatically turn on and can last for several hours.

Battery-Powered Lanterns: Perfect for lighting up a whole room. Some run on regul...

Use a wood burning stove or firepit? Wood ash has several practical uses in gardening and home maintenance. Here are 6 ideas but can you name one more? Make sure the ash is cooled and stored in a metal container befo...

This guide provides information on how to utilize the art of negotiation and trade to facilitate an exchange of goods between persons and groups. The emphasis is placed on bartering for supplies during a state of civil unrest, systematic breakdown of transportation of goods, shortages, and post-apocalyptic conditions. Tips will provide insight on what items should be valued and targeted during a trade and which items are e...

Following a Life Altering Event (LAE) that causes a breakdown of society and a loss of norms (law enforcement response, crime, security , etc); defend and protect life and assets using ethically questionable traps.

If some series of events occur that disrupt life to a degree where you are no longer safe and secure, advanced tactics may need to be employed to defend your family and belongings. The traps below may harm or entrap intr...

Run practice drills with your family. Think beyond the basic fire drill. What does everyone do if there is a break in or power outage? Does your kid know how to handle a knock at the door from a stranger? Why not cover some basic emergencies (calling 911, response to choking, etc). Make a game out of it if appropriate (also make them spontaneous after prior practice and instructions have been given). Train the skil...

A blackout box should focus on power sources and lighting to keep you safe and functional during power outages. Here's a detailed list of items to include:

1. Cut sheet wood to fit windows.

Altering the appearance of your house to appear abandoned may deter looters or marauders following a life altering event (LAE) or SHTF emergence. Take steps to make your house look empty, rundown, uninhabited, and hardened. An abandoned house ty...

Here's the basic summary, store supplies and take necessary actions in-order-to meet electrical needs for extended outage periods.

 

When a suspected power outage occurs; check your breakers, nearby street lights, and neighborhood to determine if an isolated issue is impacting only your house or if the outage is out of your control. Contact utility provider, acquire as to cause and expected restoration time (sign up for alerts through your REP, TDSP, EDU, or TDU). Unplug sensitive electronics. 

Follow below courses of actions (COAs) and preparedness steps. As you prepare/ react to each time-framed category, all sup...

Securing and concealing your valuables, defensive tools, and preparedness gear will aid in ensuring they are there when you need them while not making you a target or victim of theft. This practice allows you to be ready for daily tasks, crisis situations, and life altering events. Here are some tips for storage on your person, in your vehicle, a...

Globally and locally, Low Intensity Conflict (LIC) is changing the modern warzone by broadening the prevalence of ongoing threats below the threshold of traditional armed conflict. This theater of operations is known as the gray zone. The U.S. is currently at war in this zone. Hybr...

Familiarize yourself with radio contingency communications IOT prepare for a life altering event (LAE). We'll review Ham, GMRS, MURS, FRS, NOAA, and tw...