Monday, May 16, 2011

May 16: Guest Post-The 9 basics of preparedness

**Note from Shepherd Survival: The post below is a guest post from the writer at www.modernamericapreparedness.com. If you have any comments or questions for him please visit his website by clicking the link above**

Posted May 15, 2011 By: Modern America Preparedness
 
Today’s post lays out what I believe to be the 9 basic principles of preparedness, and why they are important to everyone.  I believe one of biggest problems facing Americans today is the loss of life skills. In one generation alone, such skills as home gardening and canning are all but forgotten in modern America. In one generation the importance of having 2 weeks worth of food in the pantry is fading from the minds of America.  In one generation the availability of clean, abundant water is taken for granted.  That is why I think each one of these core principles has a significant roll in our individual and family preparedness, and supports the 5 critical elements of survival: water, food, shelter, fire, and security.  We will cover each principle in detail in later postings.  Remember these are my thoughts and priorities and they may not work for everyone.
  1.  Determination - having the right attitude and mental focus (tenacity) is essential to dealing with any problem. Survival in life and death situations demands determination.  I'll share an example when I cover this topic in greater detail, maybe in the next post.
  2. Health - good physical health is important because emergency situations usually require extra physical demands from our bodies.
  3. Budget - most households have limited cash reserves, therefore a budget is critical in our prepping efforts.
  4. Action plans - It is important to have an action plan for just about everything, whether it is severe weather, civil unrest, long term unemployment, or a global flu pandemic.
  5. Gear - having access to the right gear is important in an emergency.  One way to facilitate this is to build emergency kits. One of my favorite kits is an EDC (Every Day Carry) bag, more on this topic very soon.
  6. Training - having the right skill sets in an emergency is helpful. In addition, training always increases your personal knowledge and ability, which promotes personal freedom from the bureaucratic system.
  7. Practice - practice, practice, and practice.  Using those skills from principle number 6 will help you perfect them, and make them seem like second nature.
  8. Silence - always fly under the radar.  It is best to keep your level of preparedness to your self. We should always be willing to help other people, but you don't want to compromise your safety, or the safety of your family.
  9. Life style - remember preparedness is a way of life, which means you should be in this for the long haul. True long-term preparedness consists of long-term goals and plans.  These goals include things like gardening, long-term food storage, remote property, debt elimination, knowledge, and skill base.

 I hope that today’s topic will inspire you to think and plan for possible hardships that life might bring your way. I look forward to covering these principles in greater detail.  Until next time be safe, prepare, and actively pursue your freedom.

**Visit Modern America Preparedness to read more from this writer or to leave comments**

Monday, May 9, 2011

May 9: Multi plier, Outside Blades, Mini-Tools: Leatherman Multitools have it all!

Leatherman is the originator and one of the top sellers of the multipurpose tool. The Leatherman brand products are all American made, high quality, and rigorously tested tools. Shepherd Survival is starting our Leatherman collection with three of their best multitools. We now carry two of Leatherman's Full Size Multi-tools, the Crunch and the Wave, and a pocket sized Leatherman Squirt PS4 to have with you at any time.

The Full Size Multi-Tools

The Wave
The Leatherman Wave multi-tool is hands down our most popular model, made famous by its outside-accessible blades that can be deployed with just one hand. It is a multi plier tool that boasts 17 tools all in one. When it was redesigned in 2004, it was given larger knives, stronger pliers, longer wire cutters, and all-locking blades. Perfect for any job, adventure, or everyday task, the Wave multi-tool is an international best-seller.

Leatherman Wave


 13 tools in one and vise grip pliers that fold away make the Leatherman Crunch unlike any multi-tool available today. The Crunch clamps up to a 1-inch diameter pipe, and if you remove the adjusting screw, you'll find a hex-bit adapter built right in. With locking blades that release with the push of a button, the Crunch will take a bite out of any job.

Leatherman Crunch
Leatherman Crunch detailed view
Keychain Sized Multi-tool

For years Leatherman customers had to choose between the handy little pliers on the original Squirt P4 or the scissors on the Squirt S4. Now you can have both in one lightweight mini-tool that comes in handy for everything from snipping fishing line to wrapping a birthday present on the go. With nine tools in one the PS4 is the perfect small sized tool that is packed with strength.


Leatherman Squirt PS4

Visit Shepherd Survival's Survival Tool Section to see more details for our Leatherman Multi-tools


Thursday, May 5, 2011

May 5: Do you have the best pocket knife?

Introducing two of our newest products, Benchmade folding pocket knives, the Griptilian and the Mini Griptilian. Benchmade knives are some of the best pocket knives on the market. Benchmade uses a variety of modern materials specially selected for their superior performance characteristics. Here at Shepherd Survival we have decided to feature two of their best folding knives as these items are easy to add to your survival kit and take with you to be prepared for any scenario.


Benchmade 551 Griptilian
  The 551 Griptilian boasts a:

Modified drop-point blade with ambidextrous thumb-stud opener.

AXIS® locking mechanism with dual thumb-stud opener

154CM stainless steel blade (58-61HRC)

Valox® handle with 420J stainless steel liners and a reversible steel pocket clip


Features:
Blade Length: 3.45"
Blade Thickness: 0.115"
Handle Thickness: 0.640"
Blade Material: 154CM Stainless Steel 
 Blade Hardness: 58-60HRC
Blade Style: Modified Drop-Point
Weight: 3.25oz.
Pocket Clip: Black, Reversible, Tip-Up
Lock Mechanism: AXIS
Overall Length: 8.07"
Closed Length: 4.62"
Sheath Material: Sold Separately
Class: Blue




Benchmade 556 Mini-Griptilian
 

The 556 Mini-Griptilian comes with a:

Modified drop-point blade with ambidextrous thumb-stud opener.

AXIS® locking mechanism with dual thumb-stud opener

154CM stainless steel blade (58-61HRC)

Valox® handle with 420J stainless steel liners and a reversible steel pocket clip


Features:
Blade Length: 2.91"
Blade Thickness: 0.100"
Handle Thickness: 0.510"
Blade Material: 154CM Stainless Steel
Blade Hardness: 58-60HRC
Blade Style: Modified Drop-Point; Ambidextrous Thumb-Studs
Weight: 2.56oz.
Pocket Clip: Black, Reversible, Tip-Up
Lock Mechanism: AXIS
Overall Length: 6.78"
Closed Length: 3.87"
Sheath Material: Sold Separately
Class: Blue



 What is the best survival knife for you?

To read a survival knife review on the Mini Griptilian visit the following article Now that's a knife!!

Learn more about selecting the right knife for you and see the Griptilian in the video: How to choose a knife 

Visit Shepherd Survival's Survival Tool section to see our newest knives

May 5: Guest Post: "Pretty Pumps and Flip Flops"

**Note from Shepherd Survival: The post below is a guest post from the writer at www.modernamericapreparedness.com. If you have any comments or questions for him please visit his website by clicking the link above**

Posted May 4, 2011 By: Modern America Preparedness

Hello and welcome to Modern America Preparedness Blog.  Today I’m going to talk about the importance of having quick access to practical and functional footwear.  Before I get started and undoubtedly offend someone, I would like to say that I love comfortable shoes!  I actually like a lot of different types of shoes: Birkenstocks, penny loafers, boots, tennis shoes and the like.  I believe that most types of shoes have a specific purpose or function.  I’ll give you a couple of examples; cycling shoes typically have a ridge sole for efficient transfer of power to the pedal, steel toed shoes offer protection of the toes, and running shoes allow for a nice cushioned heel strike and rotation in full stride.  Over the years I have owned a lot of different types of these shoes myself, ranging from SIDI Dominator 3 cycling shoes to Dacor neoprene dive boots.  I still have all my specialty shoes in my footwear collection because I consider them tools for my feet.  I don’t know if America has lost all sensibility when it comes to shoes, or I’m just overly critical of people under the age of 30.  I mean you cannot go anywhere in inclement weather in an urban setting and not see the under 30 crowd rolling in flats or flip-flops.  I remember asking a young woman, seeing that she had on black flats and footies, at church on a snowy Sunday morning what she would do if she had car trouble.  I was taken back by her casual response, “Oh I have my cell phone.”  Not only was her response flawed, but in certain situations it could be fatal.

 I guess I retained more of my dads training than I thought because I still travel with my Northerner rubber boots during the winter months.  I have actually used them a couple of times over the years assisting motorist that had slid off into the ditch.  My point to all of this is that regardless of the weather, travel arrangements, or work environment, access to the right footwear is essential.  I think the perfect example of why having sensible footwear is important is the World Trade Center collapse.  I can still see images of hundreds of people thrust into a life and death situation with only the clothes on their back and the shoes on their feet.  The overwhelming feeling of despair and urgency they must of felt as they ran from the collapsing buildings.  Men and women were ditching their dress shoes and high heels and running barefoot through the street toward safety.  How much easier it would have been for these people if they had stored a pair of comfortable walking or running shoes in their desk drawer?  It would be interesting to know how many of these people learned from their experience and made a change to their lifestyle?

 Every time I see the videos of the World Trade Center collapse, I consider myself lucky that I do not work in a high-rise building.  It is so easy to take even the simplest of actions to help prepare for such a hardship.  I made some preparations about 5 years ago.  It was a lot easier for me to prepare for an emergency evacuation at work than most people.  I have a short 10 mile commute by truck, and I have ample storage space in my cubicle.  My preparations consisted of placing a pair of running shoes, socks, and 2 liters of water in the bottom drawer of my desk.  I almost always wear nice leather hiking shoes with laces (Merrell or Columbia).  the running shoes are for the days that I wear dress shoes.  I would never want to have to make that 10 mile walk home in a pair of leather sole dress shoes, my feet ache just thinking about it.  I hope this post will help people think about their own situation and how to prepare for emergencies or hardships that might occur in an ordinary workday.  I ask that if you have not already done so please take action to prepare for this type of situation, especially if you are responsible for the safety of small children.  Remember children can’t process information in a logical manner and they are totally dependant on you. The best way to start is to ask questions, so start by answering the basic questions: What is my basic mode of transportation?  and what does my job require me to wear?  If your answers  to these questions are public transit and dress shoes then consider getting an Every Day Carry (EDC) bag.  I’ll talk more about EDC bags and their value in a later post.  You can easily slip a pair of shoes into your bag, and just like that you have increased your personal freedom and liberty by not relying on someone else.  The safety and survival of you and your family depends on your planning and actions.

 Don’t let the paralysis of fear and uncertainty prevent you from taking action this week. Until next time be safe and vigilant in your pursuit of personal freedom and liberty.

**Visit Modern America Preparedness to read more from this writer or to leave comments**

Monday, May 2, 2011

May 2: A Real Reminder

**Note from Shepherd Survival: The post below is a guest post from the writer at www.modernamericapreparedness.com. If you have any comments or questions for the author please visit his website by clicking the link above. **

Posted 5/1/11 By: Modern America Preparedness

Hello, I hope you are safe and all is going well today.  Today's post is going to be different from what I originally planned on covering.  As a result of the devastating tornado outbreak in Alabama, I decided to share some general thoughts about preparedness. The high death toll from this monster storm really convinced me of how unprepared most Americans are.  I mean no disrespect to anyone that lost their life or anyone that was injured, but I truly believe that the lack of personal planning / preparedness resulted in the high fatality rate.  I know that there are cases where people tried to seek cover from the storm but still lost their life.  I feel a great sense of sadness for the families that suffered the loss of a loved one or physically lost everything.  It is really amazing to me that with the prediction from the National Weather Service about a severe weather outbreak the day before. not to mention the 24/7 coverage from the Weather Channel in the region and the actual tornado sirens, that the fatalities still exceeded 300.  I fault the complacency of our present society for the direct lack of respect for such a powerful force of nature. If only more people would have had an action plan for such an emergency, they might still be alive.  I know that it sounds like I'm berating those who perished, which is not the case at all.  I base my assessment from personal experience.   After living though an F5 tornado, my perspective on the violent forces of nature is different.  Having lived in the Midwest all my life, I knew that severe thunderstorms could produce strong winds, damaging hail, and even tornadoes.  I never dreamed how quickly things could go bad, but on the evening of April 26, 1991, I would learn that lesson all too well.

 I remember that it had been windy all day.  As I was leaving work I noticed how dark and green the sky looked to the west.  As I drove home I thought to myself that we would most likely get some large hail out of the approaching storm system.  I never would have thought that in the short time span of 10-15 minutes, the weather could go from possibly having a severe thunderstorm to a having a killer tornado on the ground.  Once the tornado sirens started sounding, I looked out the upstairs window to see the tornado approaching.  I thought that it looked like it would be a direct hit on my condominium.  Because I did not have a storm shelter at the condo, I knew there would be little or no chance of surviving a direct hit for this storm.  So I quickly grabbed my car keys and evacuated the premises.  Considering what I knew about tornadoes, I would need to be below ground level.  I decided to head down the street to the safest place I could think of, the 5 foot tall culvert that passed under the street.  It turned out to be a safe place and possibly saved my life, as the twister passed within 200 yards of my location.  I was one of the lucky ones, I did not lose my life and the tornado missed my condo by about 1/4 mile. 

 The whole area around Wichita and Andover, in my opinion, had developed a very casual attitude toward severe weather.  After the trail of destruction and loss of life that this killer tornado left, that attitude would change.  The mobile home parks put in community storm shelters, some homeowners created safe places in their basement, and some people developed action plans.  Possibly the biggest change after the storm was how people viewed severe weather.  I know that my experience altered my perspective of thunderstorms.  To this very day I check the weather forecast at least 3 times a day, even more if the forecast is calling for severe weather.  I put together emergency evacuation bags for each member of my family. 

 My personal favorite act of preparation is the action plan.  An action plan is something that is tailored to your own personal situation.  I believe that to really have a chance of surviving a tornado, you need to be below ground or in an engineered safe room.  This creates a big challenge for most people, including myself.  I, like many homeowners, do not have a basement in my house, and building a safe room would be cost prohibitive in most cases.  So this leaves the action plan as the most effective preparation in most cases.  My personal preparedness for a tornado consists of an action plan.  Modern technology (cable TV) and the early warning system (sirens) make this a safe reliable option for me and my family. The action plan for my family looks like this:

 ·    Prepared emergency evacuation bags for each member of the family, and placed by the back door. Each member of the family knows where these are located.
·    Mapped out 3 evacuation routes based on which direction the storm is approaching.
·    Keep vehicles in top working condition, and filled with fuel. Both of our vehicles have first aid kits.
·    Monitor the weather multiple times throughout the day and evening.  Keep the weather alert radio on during the night time hours.
·    Respect all warnings and respond to all calls to take immediate action.
·    Evacuate quickly if the storm will come within 5 miles of our home.  If we are unable to evacuate for some unforeseen reason, move to the interior hallway and place mattresses on top of ourselves.
·    Return home only after the storm has passed or the all clear is given.

 I have used this emergency action plan 3 times in the last 13 years and it has been effective for my family.  Every person and situation is different so their plan will no doubt look different.  If you do not already have an emergency action plan for severe weather, please start one this week.  Remember the best defense against a tornado is not to be anywhere close to it; you want to be miles away from it, if possible.  You should never be disillusioned about tornadoes they are killers and should be treated as such.  Storm spotting and chasing is extremely dangerous and should only be done by trained emergency personnel.

 Until next time be safe.

**Visit Modern America Preparedness to read more from this writer or to leave comments**

Sunday, May 1, 2011

May 1: Donation to the Red Cross Relief Efforts


In the month of April, 10% of the proceeds of each purchase made with Shepherd Survival Supply was donated to the American Red Cross for relief efforts in Japan. Your gift to the American Red Cross will support the disaster relief efforts to help those affected by the earthquake in Japan and tsunami throughout the Pacific. On behalf of all our wonderful customers, Shepherd Survival Supply was able to make a donation of $1,553.16 to the American Red Cross.

If you would like to make a further donation to the American Red Cross for relief efforts in Japan please visit the following website: American Red Cross donation-Japan/Pacific

On a similar note, there seems to be no let-up in the deadly weather plaguing much of the U.S. and the American Red Cross is responding all over the United States as floods, tornadoes and wildfires devastate communities. These affected areas could use any help you can offer.  Your gift enables the Red Cross to prepare for and provide shelter, food, emotional support and other assistance in response to disasters. To make a donation for disaster relief please visit the following website: Disaster Relief donations or call
1-800-RED-CROSS.

If you would like to help in other ways please contact your local American Red Cross chapter. To find you local chapter visit the following website: Local American Red Cross Chapter or call 1-800-RED-CROSS. The American Red Cross is where people mobilize to help their neighbors—down the street, across the country, and around the world—in emergencies. They are always in need of blood donations and volunteers.

Thank you to all of our customers for helping us support the recovery of those affected by such a terrible disaster.

-Mitchell & Emily Dille, Owners, Shepherd Survival Supply