The Survival Buzz #155

The Survival Buzz is back again for an update on preps as well as news, tips and announcements.  First, though, I do want to apologize for the mix-up this weekend.  I had some technical issues which delayed the article 6 More Uncommon First Aid Items from going out to subscribers. That, in turn, caused a domino effect with the Survival Buzz.

A year ago I would have been over the top stressed about this glitch  Not so much anymore.  As I noted on my Facebook page, there are plenty of other things to stress about. In the big picture, this was just another burp.

There was not much going on prep-wise in my household this week other than the big mess I have going as a result of trying to get organized.  Why is it that every organization effort takes three steps backwards before going forward?

In the semi-blooper department, I have been trying to determine why many online sources rave about cayenne salve – a salve made with cayenne (aka (Capsicum annuum or frutescens, or red pepper)) infused olive oil and beeswax.  I talked about this last week and still have not been able to determine whether it is useful in the prepper household.

On the other hand, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center:

“Pain may get slightly worse at first, but then may get better over the next few days. Capsaicin should be applied regularly several times a day. It usually takes 3 – 7 days before you notice substantial pain relief.”

So now I throw it back at you?  Are you interested in learning more about cayenne salve and what it reportedly can do?  Or shall I skip it and move on to something proven right here in my own household.

Speaking of which, write down Cedarwood essential oil.  Mine arrived as part of the Oil of the Month Club and I did not have a clue how to use it.  And then Shelly (aka the Survival Husband) had a relapse of his cold.  Poor guy.  Anyway, I did some research and learned that Cedarwood was an excellent expectorant and cough remedy when used topically.  And. It. Works.  No tease this time around; I will be writing about my own version of a DIY topical cold and cough rub on Tuesday.

That about covers it for my preps, such as they were, this week.

BACKDOOR SURVIVAL MAIL BAG & READER TIPS

This tip from Steve came it and it is very important.

One of your readers pointed out that the Airsoft pistols are a less expensive alternative with which to practice.

You need to tell you readers that these pistols should have BLAZE ORANGE barrel parts to identify them as air guns. If there is an issue and the Police arrive, the Police will not be able to tell the Airsoft pistols from the real thing. That’s what makes them good for practice.

We have seen a number of “accidental” deaths because the person raised the pistol at the policeman and the policeman returned fire killing the person. ALL weapons should be treated as loaded and dangerous ALL the time. Remember to follow good shooting range rules whenever shooting, Airsoft or not. Others will NOT know it is only a BB gun.

Here is an extremely interesting tip from Hendrik:

My 2 cents worth regarding dead batteries appearing not to be dead when checked a while later.

Many years ago we were investigating why our new low power parking meter design was actually using a lot less power, but the batteries were not lasting as long as in the older higher power design. After much research we discovered that the pin running from the negative terminal down the inside of the battery appeared to oxidize when there was not enough current being drawn through it.

By simply ‘knocking’ the batteries we were able to brake the oxidation layer and the batteries where good for another few months. So there is merit to ‘banging’ your torch when it is dim or putting batteries in the sun to get another life out of them. We never explored the actual science behind the discovery and needless to say the big battery corporations didn’t bother responding when we enquired, so we changed to LiFePO4 rechargeables.

So those ‘dead’ batteries are very often only ‘dormant’ and a good knock will ‘wake’ them up.

CURRENT GIVEAWAYS

The following article includes a giveaway for a copy of Prepper Pete’s Twelve Days of Prepper Christmas by Kermit Jones.  I am surprised there has not been more interest in this one; yes, it is February but most certainly, it will make a great gift for a special kiddo in your life come December.

BDS Book Festival 7: Prepper Pete is Back with Another Giveaway

As a reminder, the deadline for all giveaway entries is 6:00 PM Pacific on Tuesdays.  In addition, all winners are notified by email and have 48 hours to claim their prize or an alternate will be selected.  Once selected, the names of winners are also displayed in the Rafflecopter on the original giveaway article.  This usually happens on the Friday following the end of the giveaway.

ESSENTIAL OILS: DEALS OF THE MONTH

Spark Naturals has introduced “Deals of the Month”.  This is great news for all of us because it gives us time to place a single monthly order and still take advantage of the specials.

Of special note this month is the brand new Bamboo Diffuser which I will be ordering this week.  Two other favorites are LEMONGRASS (a must have that I will be writing about this month, and AMEND+.

SPARK NATURALS DEALS OF THE MONTH

As always, let me know if I can advise you on the use of essential oils; if I do not know the answer, I will find it.  Also, be sure to like my Strategic Living Facebook Page where I will be posting tips on using both essential oils and natural remedies.

SPECIAL DEALS AND PROMOTIONS

I have one heck of a promotion to tell you about today.  Remember the Preparedness Planner that I reviewed in Get Organized with the Preparedness Planner?  Through March 3rd, you can get The Family Preparedness Planner & Record Keeper for $5.00 off using discount code BACKDOORSURVIVAL.  That will bring the cost of down to $14.95.

I use my own planner at least once a week and use the optional Essential Oils Planner ($4.95) daily.  Now that I have the planner, I always know what I have in my oils drawer as well as in deep storage.  Plus, because I print out extra sheets as I need them, I have all of my EO recipes in one place and not scattered about on pieces of paper that tend to get tossed.

The Family Preparedness Planner & Record Keeper definitely has my endorsement as a tool you are going to want to keep your preps organized.

OTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS

It is not often that I call out another blog in the Buzz since it is more timely to do that on Facebook.  This week, though, I want to tip my hat to my friend Lisa Bedford who is known as The Survival Mom.  Her website, aptly named, The Survival Mom, is one of the best sites out there for sane prepping advice applicable to everyone who is a mom at heart, regardless of age or gender.

Last week she featured the Backdoor Survival Miracle Healing Salve as one of her February Skills of the Month.  Jump on over and take a peek at Skill of the Month: Switch from store-bought to homemade.

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In case you did not notice, I am really trying very hard to re-categorize my articles so that it is easier to find some of the evergreen content.  For now, I have set up a page for Prepping and Survival Basics and while still incomplete, at least it is a start.

THE FINAL WORD

That about covers things for this week.  I have a great article on body language and trust coming up this week along with the DIY cough remedy I mentioned earlier.  Plus, I know how you love Mountain House, so, as I like to do:  hint hint, wink wink, be sure to check back in next Friday.

So what about you – what did you do to prep this week?

Enjoy your next adventure through common sense and thoughtful preparation!
Gaye

If you enjoyed this article, consider voting for me daily at Top Prepper Websites!  In addition, SUBSCRIBE to email updates  and receive a free, downloadable copy of my e-book The Emergency Food Buyer’s Guide.

The ALMOST FREE Department

It has been awhile since I have done a Survival Buzz “Almost Free” item. Shelly found these on sale again a couple of days ago. It is a great deal given that the match holders alone are worth the cost.

Wind & Waterproof Survival Matches: 2 Packs of 20 + Holder

When I tested these matches last summer, I tried to drown them in salt water first; both inside and outside the waterproof plastic case. They really are waterproof!  As of this writing, $2.85 with free shipping.

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Bargain Bin:  You may be wondering why I promote the same old stuff, week in and week out.  The simple answer is that I will not recommend something unless I have used it personally or a Backdoor Survival reader or blogging colleague has convinced me of it’s value.  S,o not to be boring, but this is the stuff I own, use, and feel comfortable recommending.  If there is something you would like be to purchase and test for you, by all means, let me know.

The Survival Medicine Handbook: A Guide for When Help is Not on the Way: By Joe and Amy Alton, this book will teach you how to deal with all the likely medical issues you will face in a disaster situation, and including strategies to keep your family healthy even in the worse scenarios. It covers skills such as performing a physical exam, transporting the injured patient, and even how to suture a wound. This medical reference belongs in every survival library.

Chemical Light Sticks: Pick your size (length) and pick your color. Just be aware that if color does not matter, some colors are cheaper than others. Be sure to read Lighting Your Way With Chemical Lighting.

Dorcy LED Wireless Motion Sensor Flood Lite: Don’t let the $20 price lead you to think this wireless flood light is wimpy. I have two of these and feel that these lights are worth double the price.  Using D-cell batteries, the Dorcy floodlight will light up a dark room or a dark stairway in an instant.  I can not recommend these enough.

Diffusers:  You are definitely going to want to consider a diffuser to mist healing essential oils into the air that you breath.  I keep one in my office next to my desk, one in the bedroom and one in our main living area. The diffuser pictured below is the ZAQ Dew Aromatherapy Diffuser.  Note that you will receive an additional 10% off all items from Spark Naturals when using code BACKDOORSURVIVAL at checkout.  Shipping is a flat $5 or free on orders over $55.

Bicycle Canasta Games Playing Cards:  This timeless classic will keep the entire family occupied when the power it out.  Playing cards or board games should be in everyone’s preparedness kit.

Ticket To Ride: This my favorite board game, bar none.  Family friendly, you will spend hours in front of the fireplace playing Ticket to Ride with your favorite people.  This is worth the splurge.

US Forge 400 Welding Gloves Lined Leather: These well-priced gloves provide complete heat and burn protection. Perfect for use while cooking outdoors over an open fire.

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Shop the Emergency Essentials Monthly Specials

The monthly specials at Emergency Essentials feature discounts of up to 35% off sometimes a bit more.

Every family should have at least one Tote-able Toilet.  I have priced purchasing the bucket and toilet seat lid separately and found that it was more economical to pick up this kit.  I have filled my portable potty with sanitation supplies plus, of course, plenty of TP.

I also recommend the Mobile Washer. This is hand operated washing machine. Like a plunger, it uses a technique of pushing and pulling the water through clothes to clean them well without wearing them out. It uses a minimum of water and less soap due to the agitation motion. Use in a bucket (5-gallon suggested), sink or tub. The best part is the price – only $14.95.

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Need something from Amazon (and who doesn’t)? I earn a small commission from purchases made when you begin your Amazon shopping experience here. You still get great Amazon service and the price is the same, no matter what.

Amazon has feature called Shop Amazon – Most Wished For Items. This is an easy tool for finding products that people are ‘wishing” for and in this way you know what the top products are.  All you need to do is select the category from the left hand side of the screen.

The Amazon Top Most Wished For and Best Selling Outdoor Items
Emergency Preparedness Items from Amazon.com

Help support Backdoor Survival. Purchases earn a small commission and for that I thank you!

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