Highly Recommended Books

Original Article

  

from Code Name Insight by Code Name Insight

When it comes to preparing for disaster, almost everything you need to do/know/learn can be found online.  There may be a time, however, when power is not available, the internet is not available, and all of the information that you have so careful stored away in the cloud is unreachable.  This is why, even though nearly all of my survival-related stuff is online, I still have a stack of useful books in storage for use in the event that TSHTF and I need valuable survival information at my fingertips. 

Here's some books that should be in your library:

• The Encyclopedia of Country Living (I've had a copy of this super useful book since the first edition was available)
• Where There Is No Doctor (basic info but very good, I have used this book on many of my world travels)
• Where There Is No Dentist (ditto. I don't use this as much but for third world travel I have used this info to share with others) 
• Boston's Gun Bible (this is on my list of things to buy when I get back, comes highly recommended from a couple of friends)

The 10 Best Prepper Audiobooks

Original Article: https://www.trueprepper.com/best-prepper-audiobooks/

 

Prepper audiobooks are a great way to get through a book and learn a few things without having to sit around. Physical books take precious time to sit down and read through and I always feel a little lazy reading a book since it feels like I am not being very productive. Audiobooks fix this, since I can work on my preps, mow the lawn, commute to work- all while listening to a book!

Audiobooks Have Changed and They Can Change Your Prepping

Audiobooks used to be annoying; you had to have several CDs or many cassettes and records to swap out between chapters. You had to hang out at your sound system to listen to them, or save them for a road trip. This is no longer the case. You can fit virtually all the prepping audiobooks available onto your phone and listen to them hands-free doing anything you want. This makes them great for multi-taskers like myself. If you are enthusiastic about staying up to date on prepping- it is a no-brainer.

The Top Audiobook Platform

There are plenty of ways to get your hands on audiobooks, but one of the most popular options and the one I use is Audible. It is an Amazon company that lets you subscribe and listen to audiobooks. They have a free trial that gives you two books for free. It’s definitely worth checking out- even if it’s just for the free books. In the list of the best prepper audiobooks below, I’ll put the Audible link for each book and you can just sign up for the free trial if you are not already a member.

The 10 Best Prepper Audiobooks

Here is our list of the ten best prepper audiobooks and where to download them.

10/10 American Exit Strategy by Mark Goodwin (Fiction, Book 1 of an acclaimed series)

Realism is what Goodwin strives for, basing his dystopian fiction on a very possible financial meltdown. Although the method of the meltdown is certainly fiction, the grim aftermath could be a glimpse into the future. The book is a good listen at almost eight hours. Find it on Audible HERE.

9/10 Going Home by A. American (Fiction, Book 1 of an acclaimed series)

This book borderline glorifies an apocalyptic trek, but that doesn’t make it any less enjoyable. The protagonist has it relatively easy for someone enduring SHTF, but this allows the author to explore other concepts. The audiobook is a nice length at thirteen hours long. Find it on Audible HERE.

8/10 Hawke’s Green Beret Survival Manual by Mykel Hawke (Non-Fiction)

Mykel Hawke is a well known survivalist and former Green Beret (obviously). He is featured on TV shows and has his own survival training company called Spec Ops Inc. He offers one of the longest books on the list at 15 and a half hours long. It is definitely wilderness survival focused, but any prepper can find useful information in this audiobook. Find it on Audible HERE.

7/10 Seal Survival Guide by Cade Courtley (Non-Fiction)

Courtley covers a wide span of survival, from improvised weapons all the way to pandemic survival. The result is a step-by-step guide that can help a beginning prepper or experience prepper looking to hone their skills. It is almost ten hours of content, so there is plenty to digest. Find it on Audible HERE.

6/10 The Journey Home: An EMP Survival Story by John Winchester (Fiction, Book 1 of an acclaimed series)

Winchester crafts a story on how disasters usually don’t occur when it is convenient. The protagonist finds himself in a pickle when an EMP cripples the country as he is thousands of miles from home and his prepping stash. The book is six and a half hours long and serves as a great warning about preparedness on the move. Find it on Audible HERE.

5/10 Long Road to Survival by Lee Bradford (Fiction, Book 1 of an acclaimed series)

This series is sparked by a nuclear attack on all of the port cities. We all know how devastating that could be to our infrastructure and society, and Bradford does a great job of showing how tensions escalate under pressure. It is a short four hour listen. Find it on Audible HERE.

4/10 Prepper’s Survival Medicine Handbook by Timothy S. Morris (Non-Fiction)

This is a basic rundown of what should be in a medical kit with ideas and skills that you need to know. It is a very short listen at a little over an hour. Find it on Audible HERE.

3/10 The Survivalist: Frontier Justice by Arthur T. Bradley (Fiction, Book 1 of an acclaimed series)

Superpox-99 has wiped out the majority of the population in this popular fiction novel. Bradley details a true worst-case scenario right on the edge of impossible, but with a tone that has you feel as if you were there. If you are looking for something different, be sure to check it out. The audiobook lasts five and a half hours, but it seems like it goes by quicker. Find it on Audible HERE.

2/10 Pandemic: The Extinction Files by A.G. Riddle (Fiction, Book 1 of an acclaimed series)

Mr. Riddle can write an intense novel, as he demonstrates in this book about an outbreak originating in Kenya. It will keep you on the edge of your seat for all 19 hours. Find it on Audible HERE.

1/10 One Second After by William R. Forstchen (Fiction, Book 1 of an acclaimed series)

This novel is set in my backyard- North Carolina and is a harrowing tale/warning of the consequences of an EMP detonation. The book has helped many get into prepping and is definitely a good listen. The run time is about 13 ½ hours- so it will last you a good while if you don’t binge it! Find it on Audible HERE.

The Final Word

Staying informed is important but it is still hard to make time for. Audiobooks let you double up on time you are already doing other things. I like to listen on my commute, while doing yardwork, and sometimes even just relaxing. It never hurts to stay sharp and continue learning. Keep exploring, stay prepared, and be safe.

8 Skills You Can Learn on Weekends

Original Article: http://apartmentprepper.com/8-skills-you-can-learn-on-weekends/

 

This post is by Bernie Carr, apartmentprepper.com

Being prepared and becoming self-sufficient is not all about buying emergency supplies. Learning survival and self-sufficiency skills is a big aspect of the preparedness mindset.  Learning a few practical skills will also help you save money by doing things yourself.

Here are 8 skills you can learn on weekends:

Plant a garden

Even if you only have a small balcony, you can grow a few herbs.  Sign up for free tickets for the Grow Your Own Food Workshop.  You’ll get a Grow Your Own Food Quick Start Guide and Planning Calculator just for signing up.

Learn to use a gun safely

Check out your local gun range for gun safety courses.  I am seeing some spring classes in our neighborhood that don’t cost much to join.

Self-defense training

Employers and local businesses often offer a free class or two teaching defensive moves an average person can do in case of attack.

Learn to bake from scratch

It is fun to make artisan bread – it’s not hard, just follow these simple instructions. 

Basic sewing

I previously took clothes to the tailor for sewing needs, now I can sew buttons, shorten or lengthen hems, repair a tear, etc.

Change a tire

Knowing how to change a tire by yourself is a skill that can come in handy in your daily commute.

Read a map

GPS may not always be available – learn how to read paper maps.  The Auto Club is a good source for paper maps; you can also order them inexpensively for areas that interest you.

Start a fire without matches

There are various of ways to start a fire without matches – just pick a method and practice!

Learning a few skills has shown me how much we take for granted and rely on others to do basic activities.   This list is by no means complete-these are just a few ideas to get started.  Find something that captures your attention.  Another benefit is you might find that it’s fun!
© Apartment Prepper 2018

Book Recommendation: 77 Days in September

A really great book. I highly recommend checking it out.

https://amzn.to/2HTg4iO
 

On a Friday afternoon before Labor Day, Americans are getting ready for the holiday weekend, completely unaware of a long-planned terrorist plot about to be launched against the country. Kyle Tait is settling in for his flight home to Montana when a single nuclear bomb is detonated 300 miles above the heart of America. The blast, an Electro-Magnetic Pulse (EMP), destroys every electrical device in the country, and results in the crippling of the power grid, the shutting down of modern communications, and bringing to a halt most forms of transportation.

Kyle narrowly escapes when his airplane crashes on take-off, only to find himself stranded 2,000 miles from home in a country that has been forced, from a technological standpoint, back to the 19th Century. Confused, hurt, scared, and alone, Kyle must make his way across a hostile continent to a family he’s not even sure has survived the effects of the attack. As Kyle forges his way home, his frightened family faces their own struggles for survival in a community trying to halt its slow spiral into chaos and anarchy.

77 Days in September follows Kyle and his wife, Jennifer, as they are stretched past their breaking point, but find in their devotion to each other the strength to persevere.

https://amzn.to/2HTg4iO

15 Everyday Items You Can Stop Buying

Original Article:
http://apartmentprepper.com/19227-2/

This post is by Bernie Carr, apartmentprepper.com

With food prices increasing almost daily, the additional expense to buy weekly groceries is cutting into other budget items.  Start thinking about cutting out certain items that are not absolutely essential.  This train of thought got me to start thinking what everyday items can stop buying from the store.  Here are some ideas:

Sandwich bags and other zip type bags:  These are certainly convenient and I have used them for years, but I can remember my parents did not use them during lean times.  I have sandwich size plastic containers that I got from the dollar store and will now pack lunches in these reusable plastic containers.Aluminum foil and plastic wrap:  Foil is also very convenient and we have started counting on it as a staple.  But if you think about it, you can just use reusable containers to store leftovers, and use unlined baking pans for the oven.  Just grease well and food will slide off easily.Paper goods   Paper napkins:  Use cloth napkins instead of paper, and throw them in the wash with the rest of your laundry.  Paper towels:  Although I really liked the super absorbent paper towels like Brawny, but they have gotten quite expensive.  I brought out the sponges and old rags and now use those for cleaning instead.  I still keep a roll around to drain grease from food after frying (not willing to use newspaper next to food) but the roll now lasts for a very long time.  I’d have to figure out another grease absorbing substitute-let me know if you find one!  Coffee filters:  I got a wire mesh coffee filter and now no longer need paper filters.Cereal  Apartment prepper daughter was the one who showed me how to make granola at home.  I thought it would be difficult, but it was quite simple if you follow these directions step by step.Soda  I stopped drinking soda a long time ago, but I still like sparkling water.  Instead of buying Perrier or La Croix, I now make sparkling water and soda at home.  I’ve had mySodaStream for a couple of years now and have never gone back.Bottled water: If you don’t like the taste of tap water, just use a water filtration system.  Even a water filter pitcher like Brita or Pur will improve the taste of tap water.Laundry Detergent:  I enjoy the smell of laundry detergent, but it is so much better to make it yourself.  I found an easy recipe and have been making it ever since.  It is also useful for other cleaning jobs.Mouthwash  I used to buy inexpensive mouthwash from Walmart, until I learned how to make it myself.  It is all natural, with no chemicals or preservatives.Liquid Hand Soap  It is so easy to make hand soap, and one batch lasted me for over a year.Dishwashing Powder Detergent   This is another easy to make recipe and the resulting detergent lasts a long time.Moisturizers and lotions  I used to spend a lot of money on buying moisturizers and lotions at the cosmetic counter.   I learned you can control the ingredients and save money by making it yourself.Yogurt   Make yogurt once and you will never go back to store bought.  It contains no artificial ingredients or preservatives and you get all the yogurt goodness.  If you prefer Greek yogurt, you can make that too.Cleaning supplies  Cleaning supplies are so easy to make.  If you reuse containers, you must wash them thoroughly before you refill them.  NEVER mix bleach and ammonia – sounds like common knowledge but I still see news reports about people getting overcome by fumes from this.Dog treats  I thought my dog would be too picky to eat this, but once he tried it, he loved it!  Never went back to buying dog biscuits at the store again.Vanilla  I am still using the vanilla I made from this project.  And it is as flavorful as the store bought kind.

I used to think giving up on buying stuff meant deprivation.  The opposite actually happened.  By using a bit of creativity, substituting and making things myself, I felt more abundance.  When you stop buying these everyday items, you feel more empowered and more self-sufficient than before.