There’s nothing quite as disheartening as taking the time to grow enough food for the winter, only to find that it decayed after just a short a while, and cannot be salvaged. From apples and pears to potatoes and squash, this guide will teach you exactly how and when to harvest and store your different ... Read more
How to Harvest and Store Your Garden Produce can be read in full at New Life On A Homestead- Be sure to check it out!
We’re celebrating 250 years of freedom. Here is a guide to America’s Semicentennial Event. This year isn’t just another Fourth of July. In 2026, our nation marks 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence, a milestone historians call the Semiquincentennial. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime celebration, and it’s the perfect year to teach our children and grandchildren why this day matters so much.
On July 4, 1776, the Continental Congress formally adopted the Declaration of Independence, announcing that the thirteen American colonies considered themselves free from British rule. The document was largely written by Thomas Jefferson, with input from Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, and other members of the committee assigned to draft it. It laid out the colonists’ grievances against King George III and declared the fundamental belief that all people are created equal and are entitled to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
Interestingly, John Adams believed July 2 would be the date Americans would celebrate, since that was the day Congress actually voted for independence. He was off by only two days, but tradition settled on July 4, the date the final wording of the Declaration was approved.
The first Independence Day celebrations began almost immediately, with bonfires, bells, and even fireworks recorded as early as 1777 in Philadelphia. By the early 1800s, the Fourth of July had become a major American tradition, complete with parades, speeches, and community gatherings. Congress made it an official federal holiday in 1870, and in 1941, it became a paid holiday for federal employees.
Anniversaries ending in a half-century or a full century tend to bring out the biggest celebrations, and 250 years is especially significant. This is the Semiquincentennial, a word you may hear more often this year in news coverage, local events, and community festivals. Many cities and towns across the country are planning special exhibits, historical reenactments, and commemorative events throughout 2026 to honor the occasion. It’s a meaningful year to slow down, reflect on how far our nation has come, and pass that appreciation down to the younger generation.
We all know our country has felt divided lately, with plenty of disagreements on how things should be done and where we’re headed as a nation. But today isn’t the day for that. The Fourth of July was never meant to belong to one side or another. It belongs to all of us, together, as Americans. For just one day, let’s set aside the arguments and remember what actually unites us: our families, our freedoms, and the shared story of a nation that has endured for 250 years. Whatever your background or beliefs, this is a day to be grateful, to celebrate together, and to remind ourselves that we have far more in common than what divides us.
Before the burgers hit the grill, take a few minutes to read a simplified version of the Declaration of Independence aloud with your family. Ask the kids what freedom means to them. It’s a small tradition that can leave a lasting impression.
No Fourth of July is complete without good food. Grilled chicken, corn on the cob, watermelon, and a simple flag-themed dessert made with strawberries, blueberries, and whipped cream are always crowd pleasers. If you’re storing food for emergencies, this is also a great time to rotate through your canned goods and freezer items so nothing goes to waste.
Many communities are planning extra-special events this year to mark the 250th anniversary. Check your city or county website for parade routes, historical reenactments, and free concerts. These events are a wonderful way to connect with neighbors and build a sense of community. Mark’s service club, The National Exchange Club, is handing out over 10,000 flags this morning as part of the Murray City 4th of July Parade here in Utah. They call it “giveakidaflagtowave” and clubs all over the country will be doing something similar. It’s a fun and patriotic event each year.
Simple crafts like paper flag pinwheels, star-shaped sun catchers, or homemade bunting are easy ways to get children involved in the celebration without much cost or mess.
Whether you attend a public display or set off your own in areas where it’s legal, always keep safety first. Have a bucket of water nearby, supervise children closely, and check local regulations before purchasing fireworks.
Since this is such a historic milestone, consider having each family member write a short letter about what life is like today. Seal it up and open it together on the 300th anniversary, or simply keep it as a family time capsule for future generations.
However you choose to celebrate, take a moment this Fourth of July to appreciate the freedoms we often take for granted. Two hundred fifty years is a long time, and the fact that we’re still here celebrating together as families and communities says something powerful about the resilience of this nation. Gather your loved ones, fire up the grill, and enjoy a day filled with gratitude, good food, and good company.
Safety Tips For Family Gatherings Outside
This Fourth of July feels different. Two hundred fifty years of history, freedom, and family gatherings just like the one you’re planning this year. Take a little extra time to soak it in, teach your kids what this day truly means, and enjoy every bite of watermelon and every burst of fireworks. Happy 250th birthday, America. May we all continue to appreciate the blessings of freedom and family for many more years to come. May God bless this world, Linda
Copyright Images: 250th Anniversary of USA 1776 to 2026 Independence Day Depositphotos_874452102_S, United States of America 250 Anniversary Depositphotos_862806016_S
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Stockpiling is pretty much the beginning and ending of prepping. I say that because it's generally the first thing any of us do. We often start out stockpiling even before deciding that we’re going to become preppers.
At the same time, most of us are still adding to our stockpiles long after we finish all our other prepping projects. It seems like we never truly finish the process of stockpiling.
Part of this is because stockpiling is rather expensive, especially if you want to stockpile enough supplies to last a full year. While there is no guarantee that a year’s worth will be enough, that’s become somewhat of a goal for many of us. Having a year’s worth of supplies has somehow become like reaching level 10 as a prepper.
The other thing that keeps us working on our prepping stockpiles is that we keep finding more and more things we need. How many of us realized just how many masks we needed to have in our stockpile before COVID struck?
I’m always looking for things that I need to add to my stockpile. Some of them might not seem all that normal to most people, or even seem like survival gear. But when a survival situation comes, you’re going to wish you’d stockpiled these things, too.
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Regardless of how much ammunition you have, you should stockpile some arrowheads. While there are a number of different ways of making arrowheads, they aren’t all that easy. Knapping flint arrowhead is especially difficult.
I’m not necessarily talking about broadhead arrowheads here—the kind that are used for big game hunting. You’re more likely to end up hunting for small game with your bow. So even if you do stockpile a few broadheads, I’d really recommend having what are known as field points.
These are not only a whole lot less expensive, but they are just about ideal for small game, as they won’t make as big a wound cavity, while still being enough to bring down those smaller animals.
Bag Balm was originally developed to soothe irritation on cows' udders, but it has morphed into a versatile, must-have ointment for many people. It's great for treating cracked hands, feet, and any skin that's been exposed to harsh conditions.
In a pinch, it can also be used to lubricate squeaky hinges, waterproof leather items, and even protect metal from rust. Its antibacterial properties add an additional layer of usefulness, preventing minor cuts and scrapes from becoming infected.
Though often relegated to the laundry room, Borax is incredibly useful around the house. You can use it to clean tubs, toilets, sinks, countertop, the fridge, and other surfaces that frequently get dirty. It can also clean mold and mildew, it can remove rust and stains, it can deodorize carpets and mattresses or even trash cans. Plus, it will kill ants and keep other pests away.
There's more, but you get the idea. During times when prices are skyrocketing or cleaning supplies are hard to come by due to supply chain problems, you can use borax to keep your home clean and smelling fresh. Just be careful you don't accidentally ingest any as it is toxic to humans and animals.
Yes, the stuff in the red can that mechanics use. It might not seem like a prepper item, but brake cleaner is a powerful multi-use solvent that deserves a spot in your stockpile.
For starters, brake cleaner excellent for degreasing metal tools, gun parts, or engine components. If you’re relying on hand tools, small engines, or firearms in a survival situation, keeping them clean is crucial for safety and functionality. Brake cleaner evaporates quickly and leaves no residue, unlike soapy water or oil-based cleaners.
But here’s where it gets really interesting: brake cleaner is also highly flammable, which means you can use it as an emergency fire starter, especially in wet or cold conditions where other tinder might fail.
Use it carefully, and always outdoors (fumes are toxic), but don’t overlook it. It’s cheap, stores well, and could save your gear.
Many survival blogs talk about stockpiling liquid bleach so you can use it to purify water. The problem is, bleach only has a shelf-life of about 6 months to a year at best. A great alternative is calcium hypochlorite (often referred to as “pool shock”), which has an indefinite shelf life.
To make bleach, first you should put on some protective gear such as gloves and goggles. Then, mix 11 tablespoons of granular calcium hypochlorite with 1 gallon of water. Stir it until dissolved. Be careful with this.
To purify water, use 6 drops of this bleach per gallon of water and stir it up. Wait 30 minutes, and if you don't smell the blech, add a few more drops and wait another 30 minutes. With this method, a single pound of calcium hypochlorite can purify 30,000 gallons of water!
Carabiners are incredibly handy in a variety of survival situations. They’re perfect for securing gear to your bug out bag, hanging items off the ground, or even setting up snare traps.
They're also useful for makeshift repairs on shelters or vehicles, hanging up a hammock, constructing a shelter, or even medical uses like securing a splint or making a stretcher. The limit is your imagination.
When you clean out the lint trap in your dryer, don't throw the lint away. Why? Because dryer lint makes fantastic tinder. I keep mine in a large Ziploc bag so it stays nice and dry.
To make it even better, you can mix it with a little bit of petroleum jelly, paraffin wax, or even cooking oil. Doing that will make it burn longer and thus make it easier to get a fire going.
If you don't want to bother doing that every time, you can make a bunch of dryer lint fire starters ahead of time with an egg carton and some paraffin wax. Here's how.
I don’t know why people think that having two fishhooks is enough for a survival fishing kit. I can’t hardly ever go fishing without losing a whole lot more than two hooks.
Yet when I look at most people’s survival fishing kit, two hooks is all I see. For me, I’d go with 100 or so. For that matter, I’d up the ante on bobbers and other critical fishing tackle.
Of all the various types of food that can be harvested from nature, fish are the most plentiful. Long after the big game is gone, there will still be fish in our rivers and lakes.
Somehow, fish manage to live and thrive in some of the most unlikely bodies of water. But that just helps ensure that they will be there when we need them. Just make sure you have plenty of fishhooks.
Hydrogen peroxide isn't just for cleaning wounds and preventing infection. It can be used for all sorts of things including disinfecting water, cleaning countertops and other surfaces, controlling mold and mildew, and removing stains on clothing.
Believe it or not, hydrogen peroxide can also be used in the garden. It works as a fungicide and insecticide. To use it, mix a tablespoon of hydrogen peroxide in a gallon of water and put it in a spray bottle, then spray the soil and the base of your plant a couple times per week.
Lime is one of the most forgotten items for preppers to stockpile. No, I’m not talking about the fruit; I’m talking about a calcium-containing mineral compound, specifically calcium-hydroxide.
Today, lime is commonly used as a building material, such as being included in concrete mix. But it is also used extensively for wastewater treatment. In our case, it is useful for putting in outhouses and other latrines to reduce odor, as well as reducing flies.
Pantyhose has a surprising number of uses that most people have never thought of. If you're going hiking all day, wearing pantyhose can prevent blisters and bites from insects like ants, ticks, and chiggers. There's no need to turn in your man card. It's just practical.
You can also use pantyhose to pre-filter water, sprout seeds, support vines, organize small items, store food like garlic and onions, dry out tinder, and many other things. You just have to think outside the box.
This sticky substance might not seem like a survival essential, but pine tar has been used for centuries as a waterproofing and antiseptic agent. Traditionally made by slowly burning pine roots, it's now available commercially in cans and tubes.
Why is it so useful? For one, you can use it to waterproof tools, boots, and even the seams of shelters or tents. It also has mild antiseptic and anti-fungal properties, which is why it’s often found in natural soaps for treating skin conditions like eczema or athlete’s foot. In a pinch, pine tar can be used to protect wounds or coat minor abrasions to prevent infection.
You can even use it as a primitive adhesive. It’s sticky, durable, and stays flexible in cold weather. Just keep in mind it’s messy stuff. Store it properly and keep it off your gear until you’re ready to use it.
Plastic bags, whether Ziploc bags or grocery bags, are one of those items with a million uses. From storing seeds to lining a bucket toilet to collect human waste, we’re going to find a lot of places where plastic bags are useful in any survival situation. Stockpile a variety of sizes, so that you have plenty of options to choose from.
This is one of the most underappreciated chemicals in the prepper world. Potassium permanganate has several interesting uses. For one, it can purify water. However, I should warn that this is not the preferred method for purifying water, so only do this if there's no other option.
To do this, and 0.1 grams to 1 liter of water, stir it up, and let it sit for 30 minutes. Doing this will kill bacteria, algae, viruses, and fungi. Once the water is ready, it should be a light pink color. If it's dark pink or purple, don't drink it!
There are also cleaning and medical uses for potassium permanganate. You can even use it to start a fire. Learn more in this article.
One of the things that tends to happen in the wake of any disaster is a rise in the rat population. This is mostly due to increases in food supplies for the rats. But rats can carry disease, as well as getting into our own food supplies.
So even though we might find ourselves in the position of eating those rats, we are really better off getting rid of them. But getting rid of them either means having a cat that’s good at catching rats or having a good supply of rat traps. So if you don’t have the cat, better buy the traps.
I’ve seen a lot of people talk about making primitive weapons at one time or another. I have nothing against that, but if you’re going to make primitive weapons, you’re going to need the right materials to work with.
If you look at those primitive weapons and how they used to be made, rawhide lashings were a critical component. While we can use paracord, it won’t work as well.
There are two key characteristics of rawhide that make it such a good lashing material for things that have to be tied together permanently. The first is that it stretches when wet. Then, as it dries, it shrinks. That tightens up the joint, making it stronger.
The other characteristic is that once it dries, it’s hard, making it hold things together even better. Rawhide basically can’t loosen up over time, like twine or paracord can.
Pretty much anything mankind can make, can break. That’s just as true of our survival gear as it is of anything else we use. In a true survival situation, all that gear’s going to get some heavy use; so it only makes sense to be ready to repair it.
For example, if you have one of the old Coleman lanterns that burn gasoline, you’d better have a rebuild kit for the pump as that’s a critical part that can fail with heavy use.
Another area that we all need repair parts for is our homes. Natural disasters provide plenty of chances for our homes to become damaged, such as by a tree branch falling on the house’s roof.
If you don’t have supplies for emergency repairs, that damaged roof will leak, making it impossible to use that part of the house and causing further damage to your home.
Another commonly forgotten item in most people’s survival stockpiles is salt. I’m not talking about a pound of salt for seasoning your food. I’m talking about large quantities of salt for preserving food.
Salt is the common ingredient in many types of food preservation, because it is a natural preservative. We need it for canning, dehydrating and smoking, as well as variants of those such as making jerky and salt fish.
If you don’t have 100 pounds or more of salt in your stockpile, you probably don’t have enough.
Silica gel packets are put in shoe boxes and electronics packaging to absorb moisture. People usually toss them, but if you're storing food or supplies that need to be kept dry, why not keep them and reuse them?
These things can also prevent mold and rust on everything from ammunition to important documents. Toss a few in with your electronics, metal tools, and food storage (just make sure they don't break up and get into your food).
The spokeshave is probably one of the most useful tools there is for making primitive tools such as clubs, spears and bows. It is a two-handed tool, with a small blade much like a hand plane has.
Originally used for making wood spokes for wheels, the spokeshave is the perfect tool for turning a sapling into a bow because it allows you to very selectively cut material off that sapling. While it might be possible to make a bow using other methods, such as whittling, no other method works as well.
It’s common for people to talk about adding candles to their survival stockpiles, but not candle or lamp wicking. Granted, it’s unlikely that any of us are going to find a stash of paraffin that we can use to make candles, and few of us have bees.
So why stock candle wicking? Because it can be used to make an oil lamp, providing light when the batteries go dead and all the candles are gone.
There are many flammable substances that can be used in an oil lamp and many different things that can be used to make an improvised lamp. The key component is the wick. Oil lamp wicking is the best, as it is generally wider than candle wicking; but the wider versions of candle wicking will work too.
Basically, the wider the wick, the larger the flame, resulting in more light being produced. But at the same time, the faster the lamp will burn the oil. So there’s a tradeoff there.
Electricity goes out, and suddenly that automatic washing machine is just a bulky storage cabinet. Hand-washing clothes might seem trivial at first, but after a few weeks of sweat, grime, and mud, keeping your clothing clean becomes a matter of health, not just comfort.
That’s where the old-fashioned washboard comes in. Lightweight, low-tech, and durable, it lets you scrub clothes effectively using just water, soap, and elbow grease. It’s also easier on fabric than rocks or concrete slabs.
Look for galvanized metal or glass washboards, as they resist rust and last longer. Throw in a bucket, some homemade lye soap, and you’ve got a laundry setup that doesn’t rely on the grid.
If you’ve ever had to build something quick and sturdy, you’ll know how valuable a roll of wire mesh can be. It’s one of those overlooked items that can serve dozens of functions in a long-term survival scenario.
Use it to make rodent-proof storage bins, reinforce doors or windows, construct small animal traps, build a compost bin, or even create a makeshift sieve for separating gravel from soil when building a water filter. Unlike chicken wire, 1/4-inch hardware cloth is tight enough to keep out most pests but still flexible enough to work with using just basic hand tools.
It’s not glamorous, but when it comes to protecting food, shelter, and water systems, it’s invaluable. Keep a roll or two around. You’ll be surprised how often you reach for it.
Originally published on Urban Survival Site.
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