american survival guide - issue 4

5/19/2018 American Survival Guide - Issue 4

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FROM THE EDITORS OF GUN WORLD

ISSUE 4 / SPRING 2013U.S. $8.99

DISPLAY UNTIL: 5/28/13


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38 56 77

BE ON THE LOOKOUT FOR THESE

EDITORS CHOICE ITEMS IN OUR

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T

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5

WRATH OF WATERPREPAREDNESS

12 INTRODUCTION

14 THE LINE OF FIREIn the deadliest hurricane in U.S. history, 8,000

people died. Do you live in a high-risk area? If

so, are you ready?

By Erin Hatfield

20 IN THE EYE OF FEAROne of our writers was in New York when Super

Storm Sandy unleashed her fury. This is her tale

of survival.By Kristin Webb-Hollering

25 MORE EXTREME, MORE OFTENExtreme storms can cause billions of dollars in

damage and thousands of fatalities. Can we

anticipate more of this fury?By Torrey Kim

28 AMBER WAVES OF RAINFrom the West Coast to the Midwest to the East

Coast, floods cause massive damage. And thats

only the beginning of the problems.By Kristin Webb-Hollering

34 DRY-FOOD PRESERVATIONBefore a disaster puts you in a stranglehold,

learn how to preserve your dry foods.By Wendy Wilson

SPRINGPREPAREDNESS

42 INTRODUCTION

43 LURKING DANGERSSpring lures you into the mountains and onto the

local trails, but there are still natural dangers

that lurk around every bend. Be prepared.By Torrey Kim

47 FARMERS MARKETThese sure-fire tips will ensure that your spring

garden produces abundantly.By Torrey Kim

50 NO WORDS NEEDEDWhen stranded, there are three methods that will

alert rescue crews. Do you know what they are?By Larry Schwartz

COVER

60 INTRODUCTION

61 WHEN GERMS ATTACKPop culture would have you believe zombies will

attack. In reality, America should be prepared to

battle a number of infectious diseases.By Erin Hatfield

65 STAY OR GO?When deciding to stay or go during a disaster,

the decision revolves around situational

awareness. Master the details.By Abe Elias

68 SEAL OFF THE POISON

In a chemical attack, nuclear meltdown or aninfectious disease outbreak, a gas mask could

save your life. Before you buy, consider these

five tips.By Torrey Kim

74 FOUR-WHEEL SURVIVAL SHELTERYour carand its partscan keep you alive

during an emergency.

By Tim MacWelch

URBANPREPAREDNESS

81 INTRODUCTION

82 STOPPING MASS VIOLENCESandy Hook Elementary School. The Colorado

theater. Columbine. Active shooters create a

security challenge, but you can survive

provided you follow these guidelines.

By Alon Stivi

86 THE SHOTS HEARD ROUNDTHE WORLDFollowing a mass shooting, minimize the

emotional damage on your children by

following these steps.

By Thomas J. Nardi, Ph.D.

HOMESTEADINGPREPAREDNESS

94 INTRODUCTION

FEATURES95 DOOMSDAY PREPPERSLearn the homesteading techniques of

National Geographics Southwick family.By Torrey Kim

100 SURVIVALIST 101The complete guide to living off the grid

as a homesteader.By Torrey Kim

104 PENNY SAVED, PENNY EARNEDMoney is the main reason most abandon

their dreams of self-sufficiency, which is

exactly why these 14 methods of saving

will help you.By Steven D. Gregersen

GENERALPREPAREDNESS

113 INTRODUCTION

114 FIREARMS 101Self-sufficiency includes self-defense, and

thats why this guide to selecting the right

gun is vital for your existence.By Sean Cooper

118 TOP CHOICESTen guns you should take a close look at.

121 PERSONAL TOUCHWhether its the effects of a hurricane,

a devastating earthquake or a flood, counton the stores being closed and count on

this guide to make your own soap.By Erin Hatfield

BUYERS GUIDES

89 110 125

38 WATER PURIFICATION

56 SURVIVAL ESSENTIALS

77 FOOD AND WATER

89 TACTICAL ASSAULT

110 KNIVES

125 FLASHLIGHTS

COLUMNS6 FIRST WORDS8 NEWS & NOTES130 CLOSING WORDS

COVER - Photographer: Dave Alan/Thinkstock, National Geographic Channel: Braxton SouthwickDesigner: Eric Knagg


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6

FIRST WORDS

WANT YOU GUYS

TO TAKE A LOOK

AT THIS. LIZ

FIRST HANDED

ME A SURVIVAL

GRENADE AND THEN

SHE EXTENDED ONE

TO MARK, ONE OF MY

CO-WORKERS.

This has a number of survival items

inside, she said. Among other things, it has

a cord, a fire starter, a knife blade and tin

foil.

I looked at Mark and smiled.

This is awesome, I said.

Mark and I were amidst a sea of people

and booths at the 2013 SHOT Show, and we

were in a back room, awaiting an opportunity

to discuss advertising and story ideas with

RockyS2V, a manufacturer of tactical boots

when we were greeted with this survival

opportunity.

20,000 FEET

Later, while cruising

home at some 20,000

feet, I opened the

brochure that accompa-

nies the Survival

Grenade. The first thing

that caught my eye was

the writing on the top

left of the brochure: Achieve Peak Readiness

for Peace of Mind.

My eyes then shifted over to the middle

of the pamphlet, where 7 Survival Priorities

dominated the center of the page. I went

through each, one by one.

A Positive Mental Attitude led off.

In a survival situation of any duration,

attitude is the x factor. Unrelieved physical

and mental stress can sap resolve and hamper

decision making. Maintaining a positive mental

attitude combats those stresses and their

negative effects.

I dropped down to No. 2, which is

Wilderness First Aid. Sheltercraft, Firecraft,

Signaling, Water and Food rounded out the

list. Each contains great tips, which youll find

in our News Section, but one is worth noting

here, and that is a

good signal mirror can

be seen up to 20 miles

away.

BE READY

Aboard a commer-

cial airliner, most dont

anticipate being in a

survival situation, but you never know.

One thing that is certain is that it was

clear to me just how prevalent preparation is

becoming for more and more people. From

the homesteader to the backpacker to the

Southern California resident who lives in

earthquake country to the Midwest resident

who must co-exist with floods to the Gulf

Coast and East Coast residents who battle

hurricanes.

You never know when youll be thrust

into the leading role during a survival situa-

tion. To make sure yours has a Hollywood

ending, be prepared.

Live strong.

To make sureyours has aHollywoodending, beprepared.

I

ISSUE 4 / SPRING 2013

EDITORIALEditor: Doug Jeffrey

Contributing Editor: Torrey KimManaging Editor: Jeffrey RickArt Director: Eric Knagg

CONTRIBUTORSDave Alan, Sean Cooper, Jim Dickson, Abe Elias,Steven D. Gregersen, Paul Hantke, Erin Hatfield, TimMacWelch, Thomas J. Nardi, Ph.D., Larry Schwartz,

Alon Stivi, Kristin Webb-Hollering, Wendy Wilson

ADVERTISINGGabe Frimmel - Ad Sales Director(714) 200-1930 - [email protected] Beckler - Outdoor Group Director(972) 448-9173Casey Clifford - Senior Account Executive(717) 896-8956Mark Pack - Senior Account Executive(714) 200-1939

Gennifer Merriday - Ad Traffic Coordinator

OPERATIONSGus Alonzo: Newsstand Sales ManagerCelia Merriday: Newsstand AnalystAmit Sharma: Business Analytics ManagerMohit Patel: Newsstand and Production AnalystAlberto Chavez: Senior Logistics & Facilities ManagerJohn Cabral: Creative Graphic Designer

EDITORIAL, PRODUCTION& SALES OFFICE22840 Savi Ranch Parkway, #200Yorba Linda, CA 92887Ph: (800) 332-3330Fax: (800) 249-7761

www.gunworld.com

AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE 2013 by Beckett Media,LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction of any material fromthis issue in whole or in part is strictly prohibited.

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NEW PRODUCTS OR TO CONTRIBUTEA STORY OR [email protected]

BECKETT MEDIA, LLCNick Singh: Executive DirectorErin Masercola: Business Unit Editorial DirectorJen Kahn: Circulation Director

This magazine is purchased by the buyer with theunderstanding that information presented is fromvarious sources from which there can be no warranty orresponsibility by Beckett Media, LLC as to the legality,

completeness or technical accuracy.

Peak ReadinessAt 20,000 FeetBy Doug Jeffrey

ROCKYS2

VSURVIVALGRENADES

THINKSTO

CKPHOTO
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8

NEWS & NOTES

ERSONAL HYGIENE AND HANDWASHING ARE CRITICAL TO HELP

PREVENT THE SPREAD OF ILLNESS AND DISEASE.

Hygiene is especially important in an emergency such as a flood, hurricane or earth-

quake, but finding clean, safe running water can sometimes be difficult, the CDC reports.

The Centers for Disease Control recommends keeping your hands clean during an emergency

to help prevent the spread of germs. If your tap water is not safe to use, wash your hands with

soap and water thats been boiled or disinfected.

CDC

P

AUS-

TRALIAN

POLICE

SEARCHED

FOR MISS-

ING TEEN

MATTHEW

ALLEN FOR

NINE WEEKS IN THE COUNTRYS

EXTENSIVE BUSHLAND BUT CAME UP

WITHOUT ANY LEADSUNTIL JAN. 26,

WHEN HIKERS DISCOVERED THE BOY

LYING IN THE BRUSH, ALIVE AND COV-

ERED IN LEECHES AND BITES.

His sole source of hydration had been water

from a nearly dry creek bed, the Australian News

reported.

The 18-year-old was only a mile or so from his

home when he was found, but he was disoriented

and unable to find his way home. He suffered gan-

grene on his feet and legs due to being exposed to

the elements, because he hadnt found shelter for

the entire two-month period that he was missing.

He was expected to recover in a hospital.

The news of his survival was met with great

joy, but it also serves as a stark reminder of the

importance of taking a few pieces of gear with you

any time you leave home. Any of the items noted

in the sidebar could potentially help you survive or

be discovered by rescuers, even if you get lost dur-

ing a simple jog, and can be tucked easily in your

pocket.

Hygiene is especiallyimportant in anemergency such as aflood, hurricane orearthquake Centers for Disease Control

Stop The Spread Of Disease

One Mile Is ALong Journey

TEEN SURVIVED

ON CREEK WATER

FOR 9 WEEKS

DONTLEAVEHOMEWITHOUTTHESE

A whistle

A cell phone

A gel packet

of protein

or hydration

A lighter

A compass

StaggeringStatistics

60 AND OLDERIn New Orleans, the people in

this age bracket comprised 15

percent of the population prior

to Hurricane Katrina.

70More than 70 percent ofthose who died as a result of the

hurricane were elderly.

200Many of the 200 people who

died as a result of the hurricane in

Mississippi were also older adults.

CDC

A simplewhistle could belifesaving if you

get lost andneed to alert

rescuers to yourlocation.


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9

THINKSTO

CKPHOTOS

IT CAN HAPPEN.

THE RISK FOR INJURY DURING AND

AFTER A HURRICANE AND OTHER

NATURAL DISASTERS IS HIGH.TETANUS, OTHER BACTERIAL

INFECTIONS, AND FUNGAL

INFECTIONS ARE POTENTIAL

HEALTH THREATS FOR ANYONE

WHO HAS AN OPEN WOUND.

The Centers for Disease Control and

Preventions says to seek medical attention as

soon as possible if:

Theres a foreign object (soil, wood, metal

or other objects) embedded in the wound;

The wound is at special risk of infection

(such as a dog bite or a puncture by a

dirty object);

An old wound shows signs of becoming

infected (increased pain and soreness,

swelling, redness, draining, or you

develop a fever).

PROPER CARE FOR

MINOR WOUNDS Wash your hands thoroughly with soap

and clean water if possible. Avoid touching the wound with your

fingers while treating it (if possible,

use disposable latex gloves).

Remove obstructive jewelry and clothing

from the injured body part.

Apply direct pressure to any bleeding

wound to control bleeding.

Clean the wound after bleeding has

stopped.

Examine wounds for dirt and

foreign objects.

Gently flood the wound with bottled

water or clean running water

(if available, saline solution is preferred).

Gently clean around the wound with

soap and clean water.

Pat dry and apply an adhesive bandage

or dry clean cloth.

Leave unclean wounds, bites and

punctures open. Wounds that are not

cleaned correctly can trap bacteria and

result in infection.

Provide pain relievers when possible.

CDC

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS Expect a variety of infection types from

wounds exposed to standing water, sea life

and ocean water.

Wounds in contact with soil and sand can

become infected.

Puncture wounds can carry bits of clothing

and dirt into wounds and result in infection.

Crush injuries are more likely to become

infected than wounds from cuts.

Take steps to prevent tetanus.

Wound Treatment

City Dwellers Reap TheBenefits

LIFE IN THE BIG CITY HAS ITS ADVANTAGES.

THERES ACCESS TO ENTERTAINMENT, PROFESSIONAL

SPORTS, PHILHARMONICS AND GARDENS.

If you want to plant a survival garden but your city windowsill just isnt big

enough to grow enough food to feed your family, you might consider appeal-

ing to your city for permission to utilize underused land to grow your plants.

This growing trend has made its way to Pittsburgh and should allow many

locals there to enjoy homegrown snacks.

On Jan. 30, Pittsburghs City Council voted to spend $100,000 installing

cool roofs and to plant edible gardens in vacant, city-owned lots so that city

members can grow their own fresh produce, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

reports.

The gardens should be in place by March, after which city residents can

start to sow their survival gardens and get them ready before a fall harvest.

Torrey Kim

You dont need acres of land to plant a survivalgarden you can even find space in the city togrow your vegetables.

(CONTINUED ON PAGE 92)


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12

WATEWATER.

ITS ONE OF EARTHS MOST ENTICING ELEMENTS FROM A

GURGLING STREAM TO SUNLIGHT DANCING OFF A PRISTINE

LAKE TO THE INEFFABLE BEAUTY OF A WATERFALL.

But theres another side to the story, as water can also be wrathful and

deadly whether thats a Category 5 hurricane along the East or Gulf Coast, a

Midwestern flood or a flash flood in Southern California.

Water. Be prepared.

In This Section

Hurricane Preparation

First-Person Survival of

Hurricane Sandy

The Future of Weather and its Impact

Before, During, After:

Flood Safety Checklist

Dry Food Preservation

FROM HURRICANES TO FLOODS AND BEYOND, WATER CAN

POSE MASSIVE DANGER!

T h e W r at h O f

W a t e r


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ATRINA. FRAN.

AUDREY. ANDREW.

SUMMER AND

AUTUMN ARE BOTH

OPTIMAL SEASONS TO

TRAVEL TO THE COAST FOR

SOME REST AND RELAXATION.

BUT DEPENDING ON WHERE

YOUR PLANS TAKE YOU, YOUR

TRIP COULD BE SABOTAGED BY

A BIG THREAT. IN THE PAST,

THOSE VACATION DESTROYERS

HAVE HAD NAMES LIKE KAT-

RINA, FRAN, AUDREY, AND

ANDREW HURRICANES THAT

DEVASTATED CITIES AND

UPROOTED PEOPLE FROM THEIR

COMMUNITIES.

K

14

TheLineOfFireUnderstanding Hurricane Mechanics Can Help YouDetermine your Odds of Riding Out the Next Big Storm

By Erin Hatfield


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15

THINKST

OCKPHOTO


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16

When a hurricane makes landfall, it can trigger

other weather phenomena, including tornadoes.

Traveling over land produces friction that slows a

hurricanes ground-level winds. However, the winds

that are aloft, or near the top of the storm, often main-

tain their momentum and speed. This wind speed dif-

ference sets up a fairly strong vertical wind shear that

provides ideal conditions for tornado development.

While tornadoes can form anywhere, these conditions

are more prevalent on the right front side of a hurri-

cane, particularly in rainbands.

Hurricanes can spawn tornadoes within a day or

two prior to landfall and up to three days after it hits.

Historically, most tornadoes occur on the day of land-

fall, but some of the most damaging tornado out-

breaks took place up to two days later. Hurricanes on

record that spawned tornadoes include Beulah (1967),

Danny (1985), Beryl (1994) and Ivan (2004).

WHEN HURRICANES

SPAWN TORNADOES

HURRICANE Inland, flooding and strong winds can wreak havocon property. Rain from hurricanes can saturate theground, causing trees to blow over Dr. Mark Bourassa, associate professor of meteorologyBetween June 1 and November 30 each

year, hurricane safety and survival are the high-

est priorities for many residents along the East

and Gulf Coasts. While the forecasted number

of storms varies from year to year, one thing

remains the samethe science behind hurri-canes. Understanding hurricanes and knowing

how to prepare when one is forecasted for

your area can help you survive the next big

storm that has the U.S. in its sights.

THE PERFECT

STORM

Atlantic hurricanes, also referred to as

tropical cyclones, most often form off the

western coast of Africa, near the equator. Its

there that one of a hurricanes key ingredients

exists in abundancewarm water.

According to Dr. Mark Bourassa, an associ-

ate professor of meteorology at Florida State

University, the warm water gives off water

vapor as it evaporates. This warm air rises,

where it encounters cooler air that causes it to

condense, forming clouds and rain. This

T

ORNA

DOES


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17

DID YOU KNOW?Just before it made land-

fall in Louisiana, HurricaneKatrina had sustained windsof 175 mph, a strong Cate-

gory 5 storm. The storm hadweakened to a Category 3

by the time the eye crossedland on Aug. 29, 2005.

process makes way for more warm moist air to

enter the developing system while also producing

a great deal of energy and heat.

A hurricane is stacked vertically, like a pipe,

and the system requires strong surface winds to

feed surrounding air into that pipe and provide a

continual source of tropical air.

One of the key factors in hurricane develop-

ment is the wind pattern, explains Bourassa. In

order for a system to transition from a thunder-

storm to a hurricane, the winds closer to the

oceans surface must be stronger than those that

are aloft or higher in the atmosphere. This

enables the system to continue to pull in more warm, moist air to feed

itself and being the telltale cyclone pattern.

When the warm air and energy meet up with ideal wind conditions, a

tropical system develops. As the system grows and becomes more orga-

nized, what began as a thunderstorm moves through three stages as it

strengthenstropical depression (winds of 38 mph or less), tropical storm

(winds between 39-73 mph) and then hurricane (wind speeds greater than

74 mph).

Once a storm reaches hurricane status, it often has three characteris-

ticswind speed of at least 74 mph, a defined eye and eye wall and low

barometric pressure, Bourassa says.

Storm sizes can vary greatly, he says.

Weve had small storms like Wilma (2005) and

larger systems like Isaac (2012), he notes.

But take away any of the components of a system,

and it dissipates. Passing over land, cold water or encoun-

tering dry air all significantly reduce the energy a tropical

cyclone is able to generate.

THE DANGERS

Each storm carries with it unique dangers, ranging

from wind to flooding to storm surge, that can affect

both those along the coast and inland.

Well in advance of a storm, deadly rip currents affect beaches, making

swimming extremely hazardous. Higher seas are also a leading concern,

especially for ships at sea. Hurricanes are also known to spawn tornadoes

(see sidebar on page 16).

During a storm surge, the winds within the hurricane push water

toward the shore. When combined with regular astronomical tides, water

can rise several feet above normal levels, leading to flooding that damages

roads, buildings and trees. The storm surge during Hurricane Katrina

caused many of the storms more than 1,500 deaths, either directly or

indirectly, the National Hurricane Center notes.

The storm surge is the most prevalent side effect of a hurricane,

Bourassa and

his family have

hurricane

nights several

times a year

during which

they prepare

meals without

any power.

200

175

150

125

100

75

25

50

0

1 2 3 45

CATEGORY 1 CATEGORY 2 CATEGORY 3 CATEGORY 4 CATEGORY 5

74-95 mph

96-110 mph

111-130 mph

131-155 mph

Excess of 155 mph

KNOW THE HURRICANE CATEGORIESHurricanes can grow to hundreds of miles wide and contain dozens of thunder-

storms and multiple weather fronts. As the storms increase in intensity, hurricanes

are labeled according to strength in the following categories:

Category1: Wind speed 74-95 mph Category2: Wind speed 96-110 mph Category3: Wind speed 111-130 mph Category4: Wind speed 131-155 mph

Category5: Wind speeds in excess of 155 mph


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18

HURRICANE

High Risk AreasIn addition to size and intensity, what makes hurricanes so deadly and dangerous depends on where

they land. Following are high-risk areas:

Bourassa says. Naturally, a larger hurricane

can trigger a larger storm surge. Also, storms

that track along the coast, like Dennis in 2005,

can create a bigger surge.

But Bourassa advises that those inland are

not immune from a hurricanes effects.

Inland, flooding and strong winds can

wreak havoc on property, he says. Rain

from hurricanes can saturate the ground,

causing trees to blow over onto homes, auto-

mobiles, power lines and roadways.

People who live near the coast, in a flood-

plain, or near a river or other waterway are

particularly at risk of flooding.

BE PREPARED

If you find yourself projected to be in the

path of a hurricane, regardless of size, ensure

that you are well prepared. This includes hav-

ing a survival kit on-hand that contains a

portable radio, flashlight, batteries, candles,

matches, non-perishable food and water for

each household member, including pets.

You should also prepare your home and

property. Bring in or secure any furniture or

other items in the yard that might blow away

in strong wind, board up windows, and secure

or dry dock any watercraft. Fill your car with

gas in case evacuation is imminent, and know

the routes to your nearest evacuation shel-

ters. When deciding whether or not to evacu-

ate, listen to authorities as well as your

KEY TIPConsider having hurricane

nights several times a year,during which you prepare meals

without any power. This enables

you to determine the best foodsfor your survival kit.

Florida Keys and Miami Houston, Texas Long Island, NY

Louisiana Mississippi North and South Carolina

CHECKLISTFOR SURVIVAL Survival kit that contains a portable radio, flashlight,

batteries, candles, matches, non-perishable food and

water for each household member, including pets.

At home, bring in or secure any furniture

Board up windows

Secure or dry dock any watercraft

Fill your car with gas

Know the routes to your nearest evacuation shelters

When deciding whether to evacuate,

listen to authorities as well as your instincts.

Practice your plan

Pay attention to local weather forecasts


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19

instincts. Regardless of local recommendations or mandates, evacuate

if you feel you or your family is in danger.

And dont forget to practice. Bourassa and his family have hurri-

cane nights several times a year during which they prepare meals

without any power. This enables them to determine the best foods

for their survival kit, because you need food youre willing to eat if

you dont have access to power, restaurants or stores, he says.

Most importantly, pay attention to local weather forecasts. While

technology cannot predict a hurricanes exact path, especially once it

makes landfall, Bourassa indicates that the average error in landfall

prediction has greatly decreased in recent years.

The improved accuracy of hurricane tracking is very beneficial,

he says. The deadliest hurricane in U.S. history hit Galveston, Texas,

in 1900, during which nearly 8,000 people died because they had no

warning.

RISE IN HURRICANES

While recent statistics show a rise in hurricane activity, by plan-

ning ahead and knowing the dangers one of these storms can bring,

you can help ensure you and your family makes it through safely.

The Writer: Erin Hatfield is a freelance writer based on the East Coast.

TH

INKSTOCKPHOTO


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20

IN THE EYHow a Staff Writer and Her Son Endured While

Stranded in New York During Hurricane Sandy

By Kristin Webb-Hollering


21/132

21

E WERE THERE WHEN MOTHER

NATURE UNLEASHED HER FURY.

A FUN BUT HECTIC WEEKEND OF

EXPLORING NEW YORKS AMAZING

COLLEGES WITH MY SON, BEN, WAS

THE PLAN FOR THE LAST WEEKEND OF OCTOBER 2012.

The last thing we expected to endure on our quick college tour was

finding out what happens when one of the worlds busiest cities gets

slammed by a superstorm.

We travelled all over Manhattan the weekend before the storm via

taxi, subway and foot, ignoring the weather alerts and enjoying the

balmy fall breezes and sights of the bustling metropolis. On Sunday Oct.

28th, we woke early to head to LaGuardia Airport so we could make

our way back to our North Carolina home.

Surely, arriving at the airport four hours before our flight would

provide us the security of a timely exit ahead of the storm, we thought.

Unfortunately, we were wrong. The vacation was over, and the frustra-

tion and fear had just begun.

E OF FEARW

| A rare blackout was seen in Manhattan following Sandys devastating effects. |


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22

SANDY

DELAYS, CLOSINGS

As we left our midtown hotel on that fate-

ful Sunday, people were starting to get wor-

ried in the city as the mayor announced sub-

way, bus and bridge closings.

We felt safe knowing that we had plenty

of timedays, in factbefore Hurricane

Sandy was supposed to hit. Our taxi sped

through the thickening traffic, and our safety

check through security was quick as well. As

soon as we got to the gate for our 4:30 p.m.

flight, things started to deteriorate, and it was

only 10:30 in the morning.

Despite the hurricane being a day and a

half from landfall in the Northeast, the airlines

were getting jittery about its path. Delays

began to lengthen because pilots and staff

couldnt reach LaGuardia, then rumors started

to fly that the airport was completely shutting

down.

People began panicking, fighting with each

other over where they could charge their

electronics, frantically arguing with hostile air-

line employees for any information, and stock-

piling beverages and food from the closing

shops.

Mostly, we were all despairing due to the

hopeless situation of potentially being stranded

in an airport during an oncoming hurricane. It

is incredible how alliances with strangers are

formed in the worst of times. Money was

loaned, rides were shared, emails and numbers

exchanged, and I was inspired by the humanity

and kindness of others.

Finally, word spread that all the airports

were definitely closing. By this time, all the

rental cars were gone, the buses and subways

were closed and there were only a few bridges

left open to get back into the city.

We waited in line at the airport for two

hours to reschedule our flight for Wednesday

and caught a taxi at twice the normal price to

go back into Manhattan. There was nowhere

else to go. We were officially stuck.

SURVIVAL 101

Because I write forAmerican Survival Guide,

being aware in times of crisis is part of my job.

While everyone was fretting about cancelled

flights, I booked a room at a midtown Manhat-

tan hotel on the east side that was close to

grocery stores, restaurants and other ameni-

ties.

Before leaving the airport, I had gone to

an ATM and withdrew as much money as I

could. A good rule of thumb when anticipating

a flood disaster is to move to higher ground

and make sure you have cash. The low-lying

and coastal areas will sustain the most water

damage and will cause the electricity to go out,

making anything but cash useless.

As soon as we checked in and dropped off

our bags, we ordered from room service and

requested extra condiments, utensils and

glasses. Stockpiling supplies should always be a

priority in a disaster to ensure sanitation and

sustenance.

$1.08BILLION

At press time, the

amount of moneythat had been

approved by the

government toassist in the recov-

ery from Hurricane

Sandy, FEMA notes.

35The number of dis-

aster recovery cen-

ters that were setup in New York

33The number of dis-

aster recovery cen-

ters that were setup in in New Jersey

6The number of dis-

aster recovery cen-ters that were set

up in Connecticut

6,538The storm prompted

this number of

FEMA personnelto be deployed to

support response

operations, includ-ing search and

rescue, situational

awareness,communications

and logisticalsupport in states

affected by the

storm, FEMA said.

6MILLIONThe number of

residents who lost

power

$50BILLIONThe total estimated

damage by variousgovernment sources

Its a goodidea to stockup on ice if astorm isapproaching.This way, ifyour power

goes out, youcan still keepyour perish-ables cold.

HURRICANE SANDYBY THE NUMBERS

Tuesday and Wednesdaywere a mess of chaos,

shortages and frustration.

If you fear youll be trapped by a storm,withdraw as much cash as you can.When the electricity fails, credit cards

might not work for your purchases.


23/132

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SECOND CITYEVACUATION EVER

Evacuating a city as big as New Yorkis a huge undertakingand officialswouldnt venture such a feat unless citi-zens were facing a huge threat.

That was the case with HurricaneSandy, which had been downgraded to apost-tropical cyclone when it hit New

York City, but was nonetheless destruc-tive.

In preparation, the City issued thesecond-ever mandatory evacuation ofcoastalareas on October 28, 2012, theCity of New York wrote on nyc.gov.

Sandy carried winds blowing up to 85miles per hour, as well as peak stormsurge of 13.88 feet.

Source: www.NYC.gov.

Floods often occur without warning or excessive rains. If the weather has beencool and the waters are already high, then just one rainstorm can cause a flood.

SANDY

Instead of sleeping, we for-

aged for goods at the local all-

night grocery stores. Most of the

stores had been ransacked by

earlier customers, but we didnt

give up. We walked severalblocks, carrying bags loaded with

bottled water, food and medicine.

When we got back to the

hotel at midnight, the lobby was

packed with crazed travelers.

Most people were in a state of

shock, both celebrating and cry-

ing about their situations. I told

my son not to worry and to keep

walking through to the room.

It was a 40-minute wait to

use the elevators, so we walked

the six flights up to our room. As

soon as we arrived, I filled our

sink and ice bucket with ice to

keep things cold because we

didnt have a refrigerator. After

such an exhausting and frustrating

day, we both collapsed.

CHAOS AND

ESCAPE

I have been to New York

City many times, and never have I

seen it so quiet as the day Sandy

hit. As we walked around the city

that Monday, we saw very few

people venturing out.

The police presence was

strong as they tried to keep citi-

zens safe and indoor with rain

pouring, debris and glass flying,

and electricity out all over the

city. Only small businesses and

sandwich shops seemed to be

open, and their supplies quickly

dwindled as the day became

night. We went to sleep not

knowing what to expect on

Tuesday.

Tuesday and Wednesday

were a mess of chaos, shortages

and frustration. Desperately, I

tried to get back to North Car-

olina. First, I stood in line for two

hours to rent a car because the

phones werent working. Therental cars were sold out by the

time I got close to the counter

because there was no way for

previous renters to return them

to the still closed-off city.

Next, I fought for five hours

on the phone to get through to

the airline, only to discover that

nothing was leaving New York

until Thursday. I accepted that,

and booked a flight for Thursday

night. By this time, all of the local

restaurants had run out of food,

spirits and energy; the grocery

stores shelves were empty and

there were no employees at the

hotel to even run room service.

We were lucky wed planned

ahead and stockpiled supplies

prior to the storm.

As we traipsed around New

York City that Wednesday,

shoulder to shoulder with other

survivors, we planned our exit.

The streets were packed with

revelers, due mostly to the lack

of public transportation and the

need to find both food and WiFi.

Things were festive in the

city, and people were ready to

leave and explore. We could see

that a shuttle would be impossi-

ble and the bus lines were close

to three hours long, so finally,

when that Thursday dawned, we

woke early, hired a car, and got

to JFK.

Luck was on our sidewe

were able to get an earlier

flightand despite losing our lug-

gage on the way, we finally found

our way home.

It isincrediblehow

allianceswithstrangersare formedin theworstof times.

People began panicking, fightingwith each other over where they

could charge their electronics,frantically arguing with hostileairline employees

Being stuck in a cityduring a hurricaneoften means thatbridges will floodand roads out willbe dangerous totravel.

24
http://www.nyc.gov/http://www.nyc.gov/


25/132

25

OWER. MOTHER NATURE STYLE. THE KIND

THAT CAN DROP A CITY TO ITS KNEES. TO

THE TUNE OF BILLIONS OF DOLLARS AND

THOUSANDS OF FATALITIES.

WILL THE FUTURE BRING MORE OF

THESE? SCIENTISTS ARENT SURE, BUT

THEY CERTAINLY ANTICIPATE STORMS

THAT PACK A WALLOP.

I look at climate with two aspects: intensity (how hot or cold) and vari-

ability, which describes how much the weather varies from one week to the

next, says climatologist Laurence S. Kalkstein, PhD, a professor at the Uni-

versity of Miami and the past president of the International Society of Bio-

meteorology. Variability has increased. Things that are more extreme are

happening more frequently, but whether thats a normal trend or whether

its going to change is very hard to say. Weve only been taking records for

120 years, and thats a very short period. But I think its safe to say that

strong events, due to that variability increase, have been occurring more fre-

quently.

Its also safe to say, as youre about to see, that predictions are not easy.

P things that are moreextreme are happeningmore frequently, but

whether thats a normaltrend or whether its goingto change is very hard tosay. Climatologist Laurence

Kalkstein, PhD

More Storms Are Packing A GreaterWallop, But Scientists Cant Say IfThe Trend Will Continue

MORE EXTREME,MORE OFTEN

Once a storm is approaching land, its easier to predict itspath; however, it can be more difficult to project stormpatterns several years in advance.

By Torrey Kim

THINKSTOCK


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26

THREE TOP KILLERS

HURRICANE KATRINA 2005Katrina, which caused more than $75 billion in damages,

was responsible for approximately 1,200 reported deaths,including about 1,000 in Louisiana and 200 in Mississippi.Seven additional deaths occurred in southern Florida. Kat-

rina caused catastrophic damage in southeastern Louisiana andsouthern Mississippi. Storm surge along the Mississippi coast causedtotal destruction of many structures, with the surge damage extend-ing several miles inland. Similar damage occurred in portions ofsoutheastern Louisiana southeast of New Orleans.

HURRICANE HUGO 1989Hugo was responsible for 21 deaths in the mainland

United States, five more in Puerto Rico and the U. S. VirginIslands, and 24 more elsewhere in the Caribbean. Damageestimates are $7 billion in the mainland United States and $1billion in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

HURRICANE ANDREW 1992This storm was responsible for 23 deaths in the United

States and three more in the Bahamas. The hurricanecaused $26.5 billion in damage in the United States. Damagein the Bahamas was estimated at $250 million.

National Weather Service

its safe to say that strong events, due to that variabilityincrease, have been occurring more frequently. Climatologist Laurence Kalkstein, PhD

AVERAGE PER DECADE | 1851-2004

WHEN IS

HURRICANE

SEASON?Most of us keep our

eyes tuned to theweather between June

1 and Nov. 30, becausethats the official periodof hurricane season.

However, if yourenear the water, youshould know that hurri-canes can actuallystrike any time; its justthat those are the dateswhen the ocean condi-tions are most ripe forstorms.

June 1 is no magicnumber, Kalksteinsays. Hurricanes dontpay attention to thedates. The probabilityfor hurricanes increasesas water warms andreaches a peak in Sep-tember or early Octoberat the warmest and airaloft is at its calmest.However, its possiblethat a hurricane canoccur other times ofyear if the conditionsare right.

CLIMATE

BY THE DECADES Category 1 2 3 4 5

VARIATIONS OF CATEGORY STORMS

1961-1970 3 5 4 1 1 14 61971-1980 6 2 4 0 0 12 41981-1990 9 1 4 1 0 15 51991-2000 3 6 4 0 1 14 52001-2004 4 2 2 1 0 9 3

Under the right conditions, a hurricanecan hit any time of year, even thoughJune 1 through Nov. 30 is typicallyconsidered hurricane season.

Whether more

storms haveformed recently orthe weather ser-vice has simply

assigned names tomore of them isdifficult to say.

1

2

3

TOTAL #OF ALL

HURRICANES

MAJORHURRICANES

(CAT 3, 4 AND 5) CATEGORY 17.1

CATEGORY 24.7

CATEGORY 34.6

CATEGORY 41.2

CATEGORY 50.2

ALL (1-5)17.7

MAJOR (3-5)6.0

National WeatherService


27/132

27

THE PROBLEM OF

PREDICTIONS

If youve got your eye on the weather every night dur-

ing the news, youre quite familiar with the fact that many

storms can be predicted with accuracy at least a few daysbefore they approach your town.

Whats more difficult is predicting how many storms

will hit the United States over the course of a yearpartic-

ularly when more issues are involved than just storm

fronts.

Climatologists study previous and current weather pat-

terns and then use that data to project what could happen

in the future. However, as any frequent viewer of weather

reports can tell you, predictions arent always accurate.

The reason is because many factors go into the whole pic-

ture of the weather.

Such is definitely the case with big storms such as hur-

ricanes.

We have to be careful with storm predictions, says

Kalkstein. The future of hurricanes is dependent on so

many variables that its hard to predict.

For instance, he notes, it may appear obvious that as

water temperatures rise, there should be more hurricanes,

but that isnt always the case.

MANS

IMPACT ON

WARMING

Although most scientists

agree that the planet has got-

ten warmer, its unclear to

many climatologists whether

humans have caused the

increased temperatures.

I dont believe that theyll

be able to scientifically say

for sure whether humans

have caused warming in our

lifetime, claims climatologist

Laurence S. Kalkstein, PhD.

It will take more climate

research to determine that.

In addition, some clima-

tologists point to recent

colder than usual tempera-tures in Russia to argue that

global warming arguments

are specious, Kalkstein says.

So although many scientists

think warming will make a

huge impact on our lives, we

dont know the numerical

odds of that happening.

GLOBAL WARMINGAlthough scientists tend to agree that the temperature has risen

over the past several years, it may be too soon to say whether thats a

long-term cycle or what our role as humans has been in potentially

creating a warmer planet.

Ive studied climate my whole life, and I can say I dont know the

answer, Kalkstein says. In Europe, where theyve had records for

longer than we have (although they may not be thermometer

records), the results show that climate is cyclical. Weve been through

all kinds of periods, multi-decadal warm periods and cool periods. I

believe the climate has warmed maybe a degree or so even though

there are some cold periods, but in my opinion, we cant say for cer-

tain whether its linked to humans.

One thing that appears to be certain is that powerful storms will

continue to hammer the U.S.

Although many scientists agree that theplanet is getting warmer, many question

whether thats related to human-createdissues or a cyclical trend.THINKSTOCK

Hurricanes also need high pressures aloft so the

air from the hurricane rises and exits the storm, Kalk-

stein says. Warm temperatures without the aloft

pressures will not be favorable to hurricanes. Then

theres the fact that El Ninos usually coincide with low

periods of hurricanes in the Atlantic and no one knowswhat the frequency of El Ninos will be.

NAMES, FREQUENCY

If youre ready to move far from the water due to

the fact that additional storms seem to hit the U.S.

every year, its possible that youre just familiar with

the names of themnot with the damage.

Weve definitely had an increased number in

named storms, but it appears that the newsbecause

of better observing equipment and maybe biasesis

calling more storms by name, Kalkstein says.

He points to the fact that although Hurricane Kat-

rina was a huge storm, after Katrina, we didnt have a

landfalling hurricane for several years, so many of them

peaceably go out to sea. So then the question becomes

not how many hurricanes there are, but how many will

hit the U.S., and projecting that is highly uncertain.


28/132

28

AMBER WAVESOF RAIN

The Complete Guide ToProtecting YourselfFrom Floods

By Kristin Webb-Hollering


29/132

29

ICTURE AMBER WAVES OF GRAIN.

NOW PICTURE THEM BURIED UNDER FEET OF WATER DUE TO FLOODING ACROSS

AMERICAS HEARTLAND. THIS IS THE REALITY OF WHAT HAPPENS EACH YEAR IN

PARTS OF THE MIDWEST.

Many people consider the Midwest to be a refuge to avoid the nasty natural disasters that pummel our coasts. Although flood-

ing has always been a worry among Midwesterners due to the depth and width of the mighty Mississippi River, the chance of this

devastating calamity is increasing and spreading thanks to climate change and other factors.

Fires are also a common occurrence, with expanding droughts across much of this beloved region. Despite the growing nat-

ural dangers in the Midwest, there are precautions you can take to safeguard yourself and your family against these ravaging risks.

P


30/132

30

FLOODS

WHY A

WATERY MESS

The National Oceanic and Atmos-

pheric Administration (www.noaa.gov)is the chief resource for issues of cli-

mate change and the resulting effects in

the United States.

The agency, along with the National

Weather Service (www.weather.gov),

suggests that unusually high rainfall,

melting snow from the surrounding

Black Hills and Badlands regions, and

oversaturated riverbanks have been the

chief contributors to the increased

flooding among the Midwests rivers.

Another major factor, which con-

tinues to be a determinant for loss of

property and life along the riverbanks

and the coasts, is the American lust for

waterfront property. Buildings have

gone up all along the water with

absolute disregard for basic geography,

and people are paying with their homes

and their lives for the luxury of a water-

front home and view.

SURVIVE A

FLOODIf your dream has always been to

live near the water, then an action plan

for escape should be part of your

dream as well. With any natural disas-

ter, preparedness is the key to survival.

The Federal Emergency Management

Agency (www.fema.gov) and NOAA

have put together detailed flood maps

and evacuation routes to help citizens

keep afloat.

In addition, you should check your

towns websites, schools and commu-

nity centers for flood shelters if your

home is damaged or unreachable. Dis-

cussing your options and where to

meet with your family before the flood

is essential because you may not be

together. Lastly, organizing a backpack

with essentials like cash, copies of your

identification information and a first aid

kit are crucial and should be kept at

home, in your car and at your work-

place.

Kids may notunderstandwhy theyreunable to playoutside or goout in the carfollowing aflood. Alwaysremind themabout the hid-den dangers toensure theirsafety.

AFTER THEFLOODS RECEDE:THE TOP DANGERS

Gas leaks Downed live power lines

Unstable structures

Raw sewage
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31

If your dream has always been tolive near the water, then an actionplan for escape should be part ofyour dream as well.

WHERE FLOODING HITS HARD

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

MAKE SURECHILDRENKNOW

When talking to your kids

about flooding, make sure

they know the hidden dan-

gers, what to avoid and

where to go.For example, gas leaks,

downed live power lines,

unstable structures and raw

sewage are the biggest cul-

prits of death after the flood

recedes.

Remind school age chil-

dren that you will come to

them if they are at school or

a friends when a flood

strikes. FEMA and the Ameri-

can Red Cross (www.ameri-

canredcross.org) have excel-

lent and detailed ideas,

books and pamphlets for dis-

cussing flood preparation,

escape and survival with

children.

Floods often occur without warning orexcessive rains. If the weather has beencool and the waters are already high, then

just one rainstorm can cause a flood.

TOP 10 STATES WITH THE

MOST ANNUAL FLOODS

175

Iowa

173

Illinois

172

New York

157

Kansas

135

West Virginia

587

Texas

280

Missouri

202

Indiana

192

Pennsylvania

187

Kentucky

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

Source: www.weather.com/blog/weather/8_20264.htmlNote: These are the states that experienced the most floods over the 10-year period from 1999 to 2008, according to the Weather Channel:

THIN

KSTOCK
http://www.ameri-canredcross.org/http://www.ameri-canredcross.org/http://www.weather.com/blog/weather/8_20264.htmlhttp://www.weather.com/blog/weather/8_20264.htmlhttp://www.ameri-canredcross.org/http://www.ameri-canredcross.org/http://www.ameri-canredcross.org/


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32

FLOODS

Watching the weather and being

aware of flood alerts is the first step

to getting out in time. If it has been

raining steadily for hours or days,

you should be ready to get out

quickly, or you may get stuck due toimpassable roads or swept away in a

flash flood or rising river waters. The

rule of thumb in any flood zone is to

get to higher ground as quickly as

possible. Walking or driving the

evacuation routes through the flood

zone before a flood hits will show

you how quickly you can get to

higher ground in an emergency.

BE READYJust because you live in the

heartland doesnt mean youre safe

from natures wrath. Be vigilant and

aware of the dangers before they

arise to ensure that your family

wont face devastation from floods.

Kristin Webb-Hollering is a

journalist based in North Carolina.

The rule ofthumb in any floodzone is to get to

higher ground

as quickly aspossible. Knowing

the evacuation

routes through theflood zone before a

flood hits will showyou how quickly

you can get to

higher ground in anemergency.

FLOODFACTS

Some floods develop

slowly, while others,

such a flash floods, can

develop in just a few

minutes and without vis-ible signs of rain.

Additionally, floods can

be local, impacting a

neighborhood or com-

munity, or very large,

affecting entire river

basins and multiple

states.

Flash floods can occur

within a few minutes or

hours of excessive rain-

fall, a dam or levee fail-

ure, or a sudden releaseof water held by an ice

jam. Flash floods often

have a dangerous wall

of roaring water carrying

rocks, mud and other

debris.

FEMA

the chance of this devastating calamity is

increasing and spreading thanks to climate change

How LustImpactsDamage

Another major

factor is the

American lust for

waterfront

property.

MEMORIZETHIS


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33

FLOOD SAFETY CHECKLIST BEFORE, DURING, AFTER

Floods like this one inMinnesota can causethousands of dollarsworth of damage in asingle day.

THINKSTO

CK

WHY SO MUCH MIDWEST FLOODING? Unusually high rainfall Melting snow from the surrounding Black Hills and Badlands regions Oversaturated riverbanks

BEFOREONE

Check your towns websites,schools and community centers forflood shelters if your home is dam-aged or unreachable.

TWO

Discussing your options and where

to meet with your family before theflood is essential because you maynot be together.

THREE

Organize a backpack with essen-tials like cash, copies of your identi-fication information and a first aidkit. Keep one at home, in your carand at work.

FOUR

Watch the weather and be aware offlood alerts.

FIVE

Avoid building in a floodplain unlessyou elevate and reinforce your

home. Elevate the furnace, waterheater and electric panel in yourhome if you live in an area that hasa high flood risk. Consider installing"check valves" to prevent floodwa-ter from backing up into the drainsof your home. If feasible, constructbarriers to stop floodwater fromentering the building and seal wallsin basements with waterproofingcompounds.

DURINGONE

Listen to the radio or television forinformation.

TWO

Be aware that flash flooding canoccur. If there is any possibility of aflash flood, move immediately tohigher ground. Do not wait forinstructions to move.

THREE

Be aware of streams, drainagechannels, canyons and other areasknown to flood suddenly. Flashfloods can occur in these areas withor without typical warnings such asrain clouds or heavy rain.

FOUR

If you must prepare to evacuate,you should do the following: Secure your home. If you have

time, bring in outdoor furniture.Move essential items to an upperfloor.

Turn off utilities at the mainswitches or valves if instructedto do so. Disconnect electricalappliances. Do not touch electri-cal equipment if you are wet orstanding in water.

FIVE

If you have to leave your home,remember these evacuation tips:

Do not walk through moving

water. Six inches of moving

water can make you fall. If youhave to walk in water, walk

where the water is not moving.

Use a stick to check the firmness

of the ground in front of you.

Do not drive into flooded areas. If

floodwaters rise around your car,

abandon the car and move to

higher ground if you can do so

safely. You and the vehicle can

be swept away quickly.

Do not camp or park your vehicle

along streams, rivers or creeks,

particularly during threateningconditions.

AFTERONE

Use local alerts and warning

systems to get information and

expert informed advice as soon

as available.

TWO

Avoid moving water.

THREE

Stay away from damaged areas

unless your assistance has been

specifically requested by police,fire or relief organization.

FOUR

Emergency workers will be assist-

ing people in flooded areas. You can

help them by staying off the roads

and out of the way.

FIVE

Play it safe. Additional flooding or

flash floods can occur. Listen for

local warnings and information. If

your car stalls in rapidly rising

waters, get out immediately and

climb to higher ground.

SIX

Return home only when authorities

indicate it is safe. Roads may still be

closed because they have been

damaged or are covered by water.

Barricades have been placed for

your protection. If you come upon a

barricade or a flooded road, go

another way.

SEVEN

If you must walk or drive in areas

that have been flooded.

Stay on firm ground. Moving

water only 6 inches deep can

sweep you off your feet. Standing

water may be electrically charged

from underground or downed

power lines.

Flooding may have caused famil-

iar places to change. Floodwaters

often erode roads and walkways.

Flood debris may hide animals

and broken bottles, and it's also

slippery. Avoid walking or driving

through it.

Be aware of areas where flood-

waters have receded. Roads may

have weakened and could col-

lapse under the weight of a car.

Stay out of any building if it is

surrounded by floodwaters.

Use extreme caution when enter-

ing buildings; there may be hid-den damage, particularly in foun-

dations.


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OOD IS ESSENTIAL

TO SURVIVAL.

IN A DISASTER SITUATION, THE

POWER MAY GO OUT, LEAVING

YOUR REFRIGERATOR OR FREEZER VIR-

TUALLY USELESS. GROCERY STORE

SHELVES WILL BE EMPTIED, AND

RESTAURANTS WONT BE SERVING

MEALS. FOOD WILL, NO DOUBT, BE A

HOT COMMODITY IN A WORST-CASE

SITUATION.

SIMILARLY, IF YOURE IN THE WILDER-

NESS, YOU WONT HAVE ACCESS TO

URBAN OR SUBURBAN CONVENIENCES.

YOULL HAVE TO FEND FOR YOURSELF

USING WHATS IN YOUR PACK ALONG

WITH NATURES RESOURCES.

You and your family will need access to food, and

dried items are among the easiest to prepare, store

and transport. Heres a quick rundown of some

dried, portable edibles to keep in your cellar or go-

bag and how to best store them.

IF

34

Ration ReadyDried Food ItemsSuch as Beans, Jerky andSpicesAre Among the Easiest To Prepare,Store And Transport By Wendy Wilson

SHELL BEANS,LEGUMES

Dried shell beans and legumes

such as black beans, garbanzo beans,

lentils, split peas and soybeansare a

staple in most pantries thanks to their

long shelf life and versatility. These lit-

tle protein-, starch- and fiber-rich

morsels also travel well. Plus, some

beans and legumes can be sprouted

and grown (or eaten). Theyre a per-

fect item to have on handjust in

case.

ChoosingYou can purchase dried beans and

legumes from your grocer, or you can

grow and dry your own. When you

grow your own, let the beans partially

dry on the plant. Harvest them when

the pod turns light brown and the

seeds are mature. Place the pods in a

cloth sack and hang it in a warm place

for up to two weeks to finish drying.

When completely dry, shake or hit

the sack to break the pods and

release the seeds. Remove the pods

and pour off the beans. Store them as

you would purchased beans.

RESOURCES

For moreinformation

about dehydrating foods,

check outHow To Dry

Foods: The Most CompleteGuide To Drying FoodsAt

Home,Deanna DeLong

(PenguinGroup,2006).


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35

TH

INKSTOCK

PHOTO

Storing andShelf Life

When properly dried and

stored in an airtight, moisture-

proof container in a cool, dry

place, shell beans and legumes

can be kept indefinitely. They will

take some effort to cook, as

youll need a heat source, water

and a pot in which to cook them.

But if you have access to those

essentials, the beans will provide

a ready source of nutrition for

you andyour family.

dried items are amongthe easiest to prepare,store and transport.

HOMEGROWNBEANS, LEGUMES

ONE

Let the beans

partially dry onthe plant.

TWO

Harvest them when thepod turns light brown

and the seeds are

mature.

THREE

Place the pods in a

cloth sack and hang it

in a warm place for upto two weeks to finish

drying.

FOUR

When completely dry,

shake or hit the sack

to break the pods andrelease the seeds.

Remove the pods and

pour off the beans.

FOUR STEPS TOPERFECTION

Dried foods packaged in individual portions are

ideal for survival-type scenarios. Combine some

dried fruits and nuts in an airtight plastic bag for an

energy-dense snack. Toss together some jerky

pieces and dried vegetables for a midday meal. And

for dessert, pack some fruit leather. These on-the-

go meals are lightweight and low volumeperfectfor whatever situation you encounter.FA

STFOOD


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36

DRY

With the right

equipment and know-how, just about any

food can be dried andstored. Here are some

other ideas for pack-

able, portable dehy-drated food products.

Fruits:Sweet, delicious

and packed with

all-natural energy

Fruit leather:

Convenient,portable snack item

Nuts:

Full of energizing

and satisfying fat

Nut butter:

A spoonful is allyoull need

Vegetables:Crunchy and

healthy

Vegetable leather:

A savory versionof fruit leather

SHELL BEANS, LEGUMESHow: Dry them properly and store

in an airtight, moisture-proof containerin a cool, dry place.

Life Expectancy: Indefinitely

DRIED MEATS,JERKY

Who doesnt love a good jerky?

The salted, seasoned, sometimes

smoked raw meat dried in an oven was a

favorite among pioneersand its still a

popular snack today. Because most of the

moisture is removed from the meat dur-ing the drying process, jerky can be

stored without refrigeration, making it

ideal for survival situations. The addition

of salt and sodium nitrate extends the

shelf life of jerky even more.

Choosing

Just about any lean fish or meat,

including beef, game and lamb, can be

turned into jerky. You can purchase

ready-made jerky in your local market, or

you can make your own.

If you make your own, be sure to fol-

low tested recipes that use proper tem-

perature and drying time, as certain dis-

ease-causing microorganisms, like salmo-

nella and E. coli, may be present in raw

meats and survive the drying process if

not heated to 160 degrees Fahrenheit.

Storing andShelf Life

If you live in a humid area (greater

than 30 percent), jerky can be stored at

room temperature for one to two

months in an airtight container; if youre

in a dryer area, the jerky can be kept in a

container with a loose-fitting lid or one

with several holes punched in the lid.

HERBS, SPICES

Basil, mint, parsley, gingertheyre

some of the spices of life.

Though herbs and spices dont have

much nutritive value and arent essential

to survival, they make food taste good.

Plus, some herbs, like mint and ginger,

can be made into tea to ease maladies

like stomach upset and anxiety. If you

have room in your storage area, herbs

and spices are nice to have around.

Choosing

As with other pantry staples, herbs

and spicesdried and freshmay be

sourced from your local market. If you

have the time and resources, however,

consider growing and drying your own.

Either way, select herbs and spices you

use regularly. Theres no sense in stor-

ing ajar full of marjoram if you cant

stand its taste!

Storing AndShelf Life

You can dry or dehydrate your

herbs in an electric dehydrator, paper

bags, a warm room or even an oven.

When the leaves are sufficiently dry and

crumble easily, or when seeds are brit-

tle, theyre ready for storage. Ideally,

they should be vacuum sealed in a jar or

plastic bag; if one isnt available, an air-

tight container will suffice. With proper

packaging and storage, herbs and spices

should keep well for six months to one

year.

PREPARE YOUR PANTRY

Dry and dehydrated foods should be a part of everyones pantry and emergency sup-

ply. As with other food items, be sure to label and rotate them regularly to ensure their

freshness and maximum nutrition. In an emergency situationwhether hurricane, tor-

nado, flood, fire or otherwiseyoull be ready to feed yourself and your family.

Wendy Wilson is an award-winning journalist based in Northern California.

HIT 160FOR JERKY

If you make yourown jerky, follow

tested recipes that use

proper temperature

and drying time.

Why?Certain disease-

causing microorgan-isms, like salmonella

and E. coli, may be

present in raw meatsand survive the drying

process if not heated

to 160 degreesFahrenheit.

160

Food will, no doubt, be a hot commodity in a worst-case situation.

OTHERF

OODS

TO

USE

HOW LONG

WILL THEYLAST?

JERKYHow: In a humid area, store jerky in an airtight

container. In a dryer area, use a loose-fitting lid orone with several holes punched in the lid.

Life Expectancy: Two months

HERBS, SPICESHow: Dry or dehydrate your herbs in an electric

dehydrator, paper bags, a warm room or even an oven.

They should be vacuum sealed in a jar or plastic bag.

Life Expectancy: Six months to one year


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38

Stay Hydrated,Stay He althy

WATE

These Essential And Affordable Products

Will Ensure That You Stay Hydrated On The

Survival Trail

THERES A GOOD REASON WHY WATER IS CONSIDERED A

BASIC REQUIREMENT IN MASLOWS HIERARCHY OF NEEDS.

While humans can survive for seven to eight weeks without food, youre

likely to only last three to 10 days without water. While you may be sur-

rounded by rivers and lakes, the water isnt drinkable until you purify it.

The following ways to purify waterincluding filters, pens, lights and

tabletsensure that youll never be thirsty again.

EDITORS CHOICE

STERIPEN

www.steripen.comModel: Traveler MiniKey Features: Compact, light-weight, up to 3,000 treatmentsMSRP: $69.95

BY SEAN COOPER
http://www.steripen.com/http://www.steripen.com/


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39

STERIPENwww.steripen.com

Model: Traveler MiniKey Features: Compact,lightweight, up to 3,000treatmentsMSRP: $69.95

Description:If youre looking for the smallest,most lightweight water purifier,the Traveler Mini is right up youralley. Weighing just 3.6 ounces,the Traveler Mini is small enoughto be carried in any backpack,emergency kit or fanny pack.Dont let its small size fool youit can purify water just as effec-tively as other well-knownSteriPENs. Once you get it going,youll have half a liter of purified,drinkable water to quench yourthirst in less than a minute.

CABELASwww.cabelas.com

Model: Katadyn Drinking WaterTabletsKey Features: Compact,lightweight, easy to stowMSRP: $9.99-14.99

Description:Looking for the perfect easy-to-carry water purification system?Look no further than KatadynDrinking Water Tablets. Theyreperfect whether youre going outfor an afternoon of hunting or aseven-day unplanned survivalexcursion into the wilderness.The tablets are compact and

lightweightperfect to fit insideyour backpack, so youll havefresh drinking water whereveryou go. One tiny tablet treats upto 1 liter of water. It comes inyour choice of 20 tablets per con-tainer or 30 tablets per container.Best of all, its aftertaste-free.

STERIPENwww.steripen.com

Model: Journey LCDKey Features: Lightweight, fast,up to 8,000 treatmentsMSRP: $99.95

Description:The power is in your hands withthe Journey LCDpurify half or 1liter of water in mere moments.The devices LCD screen displaysuseful information, including bat-tery life, countdown clock forwater purification and number ofuses. With more than 8,000 treat-ments, youll be purifying waterfor many years to come with thishandy tool. Weighing 4.5 ounces,slightly more than the TravelerMini, its worth the extra weightfor 5,000 additional treatments,especially if you expect your sur-vival trek to be a long one.

1

buyers

Guide WATER

2

3

2

$9.99-14.99

CABELAS

If yourelooking for

the smallest,most light-weight waterpurifier, theTraveler Miniis right upyour alley.

3

$99.95

STERIPEN

1

$69.95

STERIPEN
http://www.steripen.com/http://www.steripen.com/http://www.cabelas.com/http://www.cabelas.com/http://www.steripen.com/http://www.steripen.com/http://www.steripen.com/http://www.cabelas.com/http://www.steripen.com/


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40

CAMELBAKwww.camelbak.com

Model:All ClearKey Features: Weather-resistantcap, portable, LCD screenMSRP: $99

Description:

Water bottles are a staple of anyoutdoor trip, but do you ever won-der how sanitary they are? All Clearwashes the germs, allowing it to bea portable purification system con-veniently included in your waterbottle. Not only is it durableitlasts up to 10,000 treatmentsitcan withstand the cold of winterand the heat of summer to deliverfresh drinking water every time. Itincludes an easy-to-read LCD dis-play, so youll always know whenyour water is germ-free and readyto drink.

GLOBALHYDRATION

www.globalhydration.comModel:Aquatabs Water PurificationTabletsKey Features: 30 tablets per pack,treats up to 60 quartsMSRP: $9.99

Description:Whether youre hunting, fishing,hiking or boating, dont leave homewithout Aquatabs Water PurificationTablets. Each pack contains 30powerful water-purifying tabletsable to treat up to 60 quarts ofwater. In less than 30 minutes,

youll enjoy fresh, great-tasting,aftertaste-free water, each andevery time. Unlike some other watertreatments, these tablets areiodine-free and safe to handle.Theyre ideal for purifying water todrink, washing dishes, brushingyour teeth, cooking, and washingfruits and vegetables.

COGHLANSwww.coghlans.com

Model: Water FilterKey Features: Portable, lightweight,no after-taste

MSRP: $25.98

Description:While Coghlans Two-Step DrinkingWater Treatment is perfect foremergency situations, if yourelooking for a water filter for every-day use, Coghlans Water Filter fitsthe bill. Dont let its simple namefool youthis portable, lightweightfilter is perfect for removing thenastiest of bacteria, such as giardiaand other amoeba. The unit is com-pact and easy to use. It includes afilter, pump, discharge tube,adapter tube and plastic straw. Fil-ter up to 400 quarts of fresh drink-ing water in less than a minute. Itsperfect for survivalists in any emer-gency situation.

4

5

6

buyers

Guide WATER 4$99

CAMELBACK 5

$9.99

GLOBAL HYDRATION

HOW MUCH WATER

DO YOU NEED DAILY?Humans naturally lose water by

breathing, perspiring and using therestroom, so its vital to constantlyreplenish your water supply toavoid becoming dehydrated.

While foods like watermelonsare a great source of liquid, youllneed to drink plenty of water tostay well hydrated. The Institute ofMedicine recommends that anactive, healthy male consume three

liters of water per day, whilefemales should consume 2.2 liters.

6

$25.98

COGHLANS
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41

$12.99

CABELAS7

IT IS NOT A QUESTION OF IF, BUT WHEN . . .

Earthquake, Tornado, Hurricane, Tropical Storm, Ice Storm, Snow Storm, Wild Fire, Flooding . . .

Most of us have experienced a number of these natural disasters in our lifetime. Keeping your

SURVIVAL BAG close so you can grab it and have something to help immediately sustain life,

could be the difference between living to tell the story and being a statistic. Take it from

me, there are things you can do to increase your chances of survival. Let us help you

prepare. Log on to www.SurvivalBagsInc.com. Educate yourself, then plan and train,

to SURVIVE!!

-Mike Haller, President, Survival Bags, Inc.

Former U.S. Marine, Police Officer, Volunteer Firefighter & Paramedic

CABELASwww.cabelas.com

Model: Frontier Water Filter StrawKey Features: Ultra-lightweight, compactMSRP: $12.99

Description:The Frontier Water Filter Straw is the final frontierof water purification. Its lightweight and perfectfor throwing it into your backpack for a day in theoutdoors. Its compact so you can fit it in yourbug-out bag, emergency kit or your cars glovecompartmentor all three. Itseasy to use; noset up is required. You can safely drink from anywater, including water holes and rivers. Best ofall, its economical. At $12.99, this is a smallprice to pay for clean drinking water whereveryou go.

COGHLANSwww.coghlans.com

Model: Two-Step Drinking WaterTreatmentKey Features: Easy to use, no after-taste,includes neutralizerMSRP: $15.28

Description:You can have safe, fresh water in two easy steps.Emergency Drinking Water Germicidal Tablets area must-have in your familys survival or first aidkit. You never know when youll need them, butyoull be glad you have them. This water purifierpacks a one, two punch. Not only does it includeCoghlans Water Germicidal Tablets, it alsoincludes Coghlans Drinking Water Tablets Neu-tralizer to ensure you always have fresh drinkingwater wherever you are. Its effective againstcommon ailments like bacteria, treats up to 25quarts and is aftertaste-free.

8

7$15.28

COGHLANS8

DRINKING WATER

BACTERIA WATCHJust like cockroaches, bacteria can

survive just about anything to make yousick. Some are rare, while others likesalmonella happen all the time.

With a proper water purifier you can filteraway most of these illnesses that are justwaiting to infect you. Here are some of themost prevalent bacteria to avoid.

Aeromonas species Bacteria found in

water, causing gastric illnesses. Francisella tularensis Infection can occurthrough contaminated drinking water.

Salmonella Most commonly associatedwith uncooked meat, but also found inwater.

Shigella Most commonly found in water,but also found in food.

Toxigenic Escherichia coli Used to testfor water contamination.

Yersinia enterocolitica Found in animalsin close proximity to water.
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42

ENTICING IS SPRING.

IN THE FOREST, TRAILS MEANDER THROUGH THE BEAUTY, AS

THE SMELL OF PINE PERMEATES THE AIR. IN LOCAL HILL-

SIDES, WILD FLOWERS LURE HIKERS OUT OF THE CITIES. TIS

ALSO THE SEASON TO BEGIN PLANTING YOUR GARDEN.

Springs warm, sunny days are here but hazards underlie springs beauty.

Preparation is critical.

In This Section

Spring First Aid

Three Methods To Signal

Rescue Crews

Tips To Prepare Your Garden,

So You Can Nourish Your Family

Prepare now for the most common perils you

might face this spring

Springs Fury

PRIN


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LURKINGDANGERS

43

THINKSTOC

KPHOTO

How To Avoid Springs Hazards And Why You Should

Avoid Common First Aid Myths Like the Plague

By Torrey Kim

OTHER NATURE

SHOWS NO

FAVORITES.

ALTHOUGH

SPRING WEATHER

DOESNT NECES-

SARILY BRING TO

MIND THE TYPES

OF PERILS THAT WINTER CAN PRE-

SENT (SUCH AS AVALANCHES AND

THIN ICE), DANGERS ARE ALWAYS

LURKING THAT CAN JEOPARDIZE

YOUR HEALTH AND SAFETY.

To ensure that your next expedition doesnt

get derailed, consider these quick tips that will

keep you safe.

M


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44

FIRST

ANTICIPATE LIGHTNINGWith April showers comes lightning,

unfortunately, and last year, nearly 30 people

died from lightning strikes, according to the

National Weather Service. Ensure that you

dont suffer the same fate by knowing when

the bad weather is coming, and having a plan

to avoid the electrical strike.

The most important component of light-

ning safety is prevention, says Gates

Richards, M.Ed., special program manager

with the NOLS Wilderness Medicine Institute

in Lander, Wyoming. This involves knowing

local weather patterns, anticipating oncoming

storms, finding relatively low-risk locations

and practicing a lightning drill before a

storm.

If you know a storm is headed your way,

evaluate the safe locations that are nearby.

Lower risk locations include low rolling

hills, Richards says. These would be safer

places for campsites.

If youre caught in a lightning storm, a

good rule of thumb is to avoid being, or being

near, the tallest object in any given area,

Richards says.

In the worst case scenario (being stuck

in a lightning storm), you can assume a light-

ning position, he says.

This means you should insulate yourself

from the ground, protect yourself from the

weather, and stay small and low.

Disperse a group to minimize the

chances of multiple casualties, he says.

If someone in your group does get hit by

lightning, know that the symptoms arent as

clear-cut as you see in the movies.

Lightning strikes can produce a wide

range of injuries, ranging from trauma to neu-

rological problems, Richards says. Provide

supportive care, clean or splint any injuries,

and evacuate anyone involved in a lightning

strike. Neurological issues may have delayed

onset, so it's best to evacuate.

LIGHTNINGSAFETY RULES

LOWER RISK LOCATIONS

Low rolling hills

THE HEIGHT FACTOR

If youre caught in a lightning storm

avoid being, or being near, the tallest

object in any given area.

DO THIS

Insulate yourself from the ground,

protect yourself from the weather,

stay small and low.

CROWD BEHAVIOR

Disperse a group to minimize the

chances of multiple casualties.

30The number of people who died from

lightning strikes last year

SIGNS,SYMPTOMSSNAKEBITES Pain

Swelling

Discoloration beyond the

puncture wounds and

slowly extending back

toward the core

WHEN BITTEN,DONT DO THISDONT

Apply ice or tourniquets

DONT

Cut the bite area and suck

out the venom

DO NOT USE

Electrotherapy


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45

DEADLY STINGS

Spring allergies dont just involve hay fever and runny nosesthey

can bring on the potentially deadly sting of bees, wasps and other insects

that carry Hymenoptera venom, which is an allergy trigger for thou-

sands of people.

Most reactions to bee stings involve local swelling and itching, but

for some people, systemic reactions such as anaphylaxis can strike,

which could be deadly. If youre traveling with someone who has a

diagnosed Hymenoptera allergy, ensure that an epinephrine prescription

is in your carry pack (typically in the form of an Epi-Pen).

The most important component oflightning safety is prevention.

Gates Richards, M.Ed., NOLS Wilderness Medicine Institute

LIGHTNING PRECAUTIONARY CHECKLIST

Know local weather patterns

Anticipate oncoming storms

Find relatively low-risk locations

Practice a lightning drill before a storm

If you know lightning is on

its way, take cover some-

where safe immediately,

and always avoid being the

tallest object in any area.

Encountering bees and

wasps is nearly unavoidable

in the spring. If someone in

your group is allergic to

their venom, bring along an

epinephrine injector to avoid

anaphylaxis.

Rattlesnakes

Cottonmouths

Copperheads

BIG,BAD 3THE

THINKST

OCK


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46

DEADLY BITESAnyone who has ever seen an old

cowboy movie knows that the best way to

treat a snakebite is to cut the bite, suck out

the venom and spit it on the ground, right?

Not so fast.

This outdated advice can actually

waste precious time that could be spent

getting the victim to an emergency care

facility.

First, know that your chances of dying

from a snakebite are not as high as you

think.

It's incredibly uncommon for people

to die from domestic snakebites in the

U.S.fewer than 10 people in any given

year, Richards says. The majority

american survival guide - issue 4

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