Blogging from A to Z: TEOTWAWKI

http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/

TEOTWAWKI: (acronym). "The End Of The World As We Know It." 
James Wesley Rawles gets credit for this phrase, which has become extremely popular with Preppers. His book "How to Survive the End of the World as We Know It: Tactics, Techniques, and Technologies for Uncertain Times."

- See more at: http://www.happypreppers.com/dictionary.html#sthash.AqnSPEhY.dpuf

It's hard to think that this might possibly happen. Would you really feel fine? Would you rather be prepared or suffer with what might happen?
Maybe it won't happen in our life time.

I feel better just knowing some of the things I could do. Simple things. Do you know the rule of three?

• Three minutes without air
• Three days without water
• Three weeks without food

Can you survive? Unless you're a scuba diver and keep air on hand, or have some time of air filtration system, and not many can afford that, in a disaster it is more important NOT to panic. You use up more oxygen that way. Slow and steady and look around, just a trickle of fresh air will keep you going.

If you are trapped with no way to water, you have three days. If you always have water at hand, you have a better chance at survival.

As I think of this I imagine being trapped by a collapsed building. I lived in California for years where the earthquakes made this a distinct possibility. Now I live in the Midwest and have the same thoughts due to tornadoes. 

I usually have a water bottle at hand so maybe I'd last three days. I know prepping is more about TEOTWAWKI but I tend to focus more on what would happen in a natural disaster. Really, being prepared for one is no joke. If you've never woken up with your walls shaking and your possessions dropping to the floor and shattering, kudos to you! 

If you've never hid in the basement as the sky turns green and the sirens go off listening to the hail shatter against your house, again, kudos. When that happens, we race to get water jugs filled and head to the basement to shelter with the spiders. The candles in the lanterns get lit or we get out the flashlights that require no batteries-because you know when you need them, they're always dead!

Those are just a taste of things that could happen. With water, food, light and blankets for warmth, we'd get through. With a bug out bag or go bag we could grab we'd be even more prepared. Think Sheldon from The Big Bang Theory. Fill up that old backpack with essentials and keep it handy.

Just in case, you know, shit really hits the fan (SHTF) and it really becomes the end of the world as we know it TEOTWAWKI!

There are even songs about it? Remember this one?

Blogging from A to Z: Preppers

                                               http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/

P is for Preppers

Preppers are people who actively prepare for survival in uncertain times, including an economic collapse, natural disaster, unusual cosmic event, pandemic, or man made catastrophe. Preppers take significant action to prepare life's basic needs before the unthinkable should occur, which would disrupt
normal living conditions. Prepping is a lifestyle that provides comfort and peace of  mind. While their passion and skill level vary their ultimate goal is the same: survival in living off the grid.

P-repare for any natural or man made disaster.
R-espond without fear.
E-valuate every possible scenario.
P-ack supplies like you won't have 'em for a year.
P-lan for the unexpected.
E-nvision a happy outcome.
R-emember to always have hope! 

- See more at: http://www.happypreppers.com/dictionary.html#sthash.AqnSPEhY.dpuf

Happy Preppers have a great definition, don't they? You definitely have to have goals and be organized. Not into the who TEOTWAWKI scene? (the end of the world as we know it).  Prepare yourself for the natural disasters where you live.

Want to be one that helps in the event? Most counties have disaster teams that are made up of many volunteers. Think Red Cross, Volunteer fire fighters, etc.

Just be ready. You don't have to have hundreds of extra dollars. Do things our grandparents once did. Grow your own food and can it. Freezing is fine until the power goes out. Have a generator and a supply of fuel to keep your electricity running. But canning can be done to just about any food. 

Canning not your thing? I admit I suck at it. :) I keep trying though. Try dehydrating your food instead. You don't even need a dehydrator. Here is a video that shows you how that I found on youtube. I love youtube.

So get prepared for anything. Have food stored for those slim times or those times when disaster might strike. Don't think you have room for a garden? Check out my pinterest page where I show different ways to container garden in a small space.

 You can also check out my post at https://adragonsfatedheart.wordpress.com/2015/03/24/starting-a-garden-breaking-your-dependence-stealinghope/ where I talk about starting a garden, the first step for independence which is this Prepper's goal!

Blogging from A to Z: Go bag

http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/

G is for Go Bag

What is that? Well, for a prepper it all depends. Many prepare for 72 hours. It all depends on what you are prepping for. It call also be known as a Bug Out Bag.

EOTW? End of the World, well 72 hours may not be enough.

But, every mother I know is a prepper.  Think about it. You knew how many diapers and wipes to carry with depending on how long you were planning on being gone. Extra clothes? Check. Food? Check.

Think of a Go Bag as a diaper bag for adults, LOL.

Don't disparage preppers.

Think of it. When SHTF wouldn't you want to be prepared? Not everything you'd need it for is an end of the world scenario.

How many people are unprepared in case of a tornado, fire or earthquake? A backpack staged at the door with essentials will be easily grabbed on your way out the door. You won't have to depend on the help of strangers for a change of clothes or a toothbrush.

It doesn't sound so silly now, does it?

Not all preppers are hard core. Most of them, with their Go Bag ready are the neighbor that nods, the guy with the smile, people you'd never suspect.

So think of what you'd need if you're a couple of days away from home.

Would it hurt to be prepared?

I've been researching for my book and delving deeper into a society and thought process that have always intrigued me. What I'm finding is fascinating. 

What are your obsessions?

I have been getting more and more into the things to do to survive in case the SHTF. (shit hits the fan) :)

I'm pretty much an optimist but my dark side craves the knowledge of how to survive. But doesn't everyone? So it's easier to feed that desire than drive myself to distraction worrying. I'll feel better if I have an idea of what to do.

It may not help, LOL. But at least I'll have tried.

I came across an interesting article this morning. It reads like fiction but I'd bet it's real. Though as a writer by imagination tends to run over and through my reality, so I'm not sure.

It was interesting and I wonder how I would survive if I took this course.

Intrigued yet?

Check it out:
http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/books/features/the-art-of-survival-essential-skills-for-the-postapocalyptic-world-1666084.html

I'm working on a series of erotic romances mixing TEOTWAWKI (the end of the world as we know it) and fantasy.

But my world takes place a century later. 

And I bring my other obsession dragons into it.

What do you think that world would look like?

A century after the world was devastated?

Acronyms & Survival

1. An acronym is an abbreviation formed from the initial components in a phrase or a word. Usually these components are individual letters  or parts of words or names.
2. So, working for the government, I am used to peppering my speech with acronyms, most incomprehensible to the normal world. On the other hand I am continually stumped by the ones I come across on Facebook or even texted to me by my own kids.
3. I thought I would share one I recently found.
4. If you're a reader of romance novels, especially contemporary, you've no doubt come across BOB-battery operated boyfriend. Dildo, phallus, vibrator, you name it. 
5. Researching information I've also come to find out it has another meaning.
6. BOB-bug out bag.
7. What? You don't know what that is? I did, I just hadn't put a name to it. I tend to think the world as I know it will come to an end sooner rather than later. Of course that will make its way into my books. 
8. A bug out bag is a portable emergency kit that will help you survive for approximately 72 hours in the event of a disaster. In California we called it an earthquake kit. I made ones specifically for each of my children when they got cars. Not a BOB but an emergency kit. We live in WI so it has an emergency blanket, jumper cables and a portable shovel. Lots of people realize that if a car breaks down you need an emergency kit. Why should you get the hairy eyeball if you have one for survival in the event of other emergency situations?
9. I think more people have some type of emergency kit available than you'd realize. Maybe not to the extent of a BOB. And I suppose you can add a BOB to a BOB, LOL.
10. My newest series is actually set in a post-apocalyptic world! I found some interesting sites and joined a couple of FB groups that share information and cater to those who share my views.
11. Sooner rather than later.
12. I found a pretty good list at The Gundoc's Doctrine (http://gundocdoctrine.com/personal-preparedness/bug-out-gag-contents/)
13. 
    

    FOOD & WATER
    •Minimum of 3600 calories of food per person
    •Minimum of 9 water pouches of water per person
    •Method of water purification (such as potable aqua or a water filter)
    •Additional food & water

    COMMUNICATION
    •AM/FM Radio with batteries or alternate power source
    •Whistle with lanyard
    •Cell Phone

    LIGHT SOURCES
    •Flashlight with batteries
    •Candles
    •Lightsticks
    •Lantern and fuel
    •Road Flare(s)

    HYGIENE & SANITATION
    •Personal Hygiene Kit (Include soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, comb, sanitary napkins, diapers, razor, and other toiletry items)
    •Toilet paper
    •Tissue
    •Portable Toilet and accessories

    TOOLS
    •50 Feet of Nylon Rope
    •Pocket Knife
    •Rolls of Duct Tape
    •Foldable Shovel
    •Hatchet or axe
    •Sewing Kit

    WARMTH & SHELTER
    •Waterproof matches
    •Alternate fire-starting method
    •Tent/Shelter
    •Solar Emergency Blanket or Emergency Sleeping Bag
    •Hand & Body Warmers
    •Poncho
    •Lightweight Stove & Fuel
    •Wool Blanket

    FIRST AID
    •First Aid Kit and supplies
    •First Aid Booklet/Manual
    •Burn gel and dressing
    •Snake bite kit
    •Insect repellent
    •Sun block
    •Special medication

    MONEY
    •At least $20 in your kit — be sure to include quarters for phone calls

    IMPORTANT PAPERS
    •Emergency Instructions
    •Copies of documents such as birth certificates, marriage licenses, wills, insurance forms, phone numbers, credit card infor, etc.

    STRESS RELIEVERS
    •Games, books, hard candy, desserts, inspirational reading, small toys, paper & pen, favorite security item for children

    EXTRA CLOTHING
    •A complete outfit of appropriate clothing; including extra socks, underwear, hat, sturdy shoes, and gloves.
14. Other advice comes from The Bugout Bag Academy ( http://bugoutbagacademy.com/free-bug-out-bag-list/)
15. 
    

    CHOOSING A BUG OUT BAG

    The first item on your bug out bag list is the bag itself. There are several schools of thought on this topic, of which the two main ones are:

    1)    You should choose the best bag for you

    2)    You should only choose the bag after you have the items
16. Sounds smart to me. How will you know what size bag to get until you have your items assembled? Not to mention, you have to be able to carry it!
17. Here is the list from the academy:
18. The important thing to know is, you’ll want enough food to last three days at least.
• Drinking Water (3 Liters)
• Collapsible Water Bottle
• Hard Water Bottle
• Metal Water Bottle / Canteen
• Water Filters / Purification Systems
• Water Purification Tablets (Qty 3)
• Protein / Energy Bars (Qty 6)
• MREs / Dehydrated Meals (Qty 3)
• Spork
• P-38 Can Opener
• Metal Cooking Pot
• Metal Cup
• Pot Scrubber
• Portable Stove
• Stove Fuel (Qty 8 Tablets)
• Lightweight Long Sleeve Shirt
• Convertible (Zip-Off) Pants
• Underwear
• Wool Hiking Socks (Qty 3 pair)
• Medium Weight Fleece
• Hat w/ Flex Brim
• Working Gloves
• Rain Poncho
• Shemagh
• Tarp
• Tent
• Sleeping Bag
• Ground Pad
• Wool Blanket
• Ignition Source (Qty 3)
• Tinder (Qty 3)
• Waterproof Storage
• First Aid Kit
• Insect Repellant
• Mylar Survival Blanket
• Wet Napkins
• Hand Sanitizer
• All-Purpose Camp Soap
• Hygiene/Signal Mirror
• Small Pack Towel
• Travel Toilet Paper (Qty 2)
• Survival Knife
• Multi-Tool
• Machete
• LED Headlamp
• Mini LED Keychain
• Light Glowstick
• Mini LED Light
• Candles
• Batteries
• Cell Phone (unless of course an EMP is the cause because it might now work then)
• Crank Power Charger
• Emergency Radio with Hand Crank
• $500 Minimum in Small Bills
• Quarters (Qty 8)
• Gold / Silver Bullion Coins
• Local Area Map
• Compass
• Small Note Pad / Pencil
• Emergency Whistle
• Pepper Spray
• Handgun
• Takedown rifle
• Ammunition (Qty 25 rnds minimum)
• 550 Parachute Cord (50′)
• Cotton Bandana
• Duct Tape (25’)
• 55 Gal. Contractor Garbage Bag (Qty 2)
• Resealable Bags (Qty 5, Various Sizes)
• Sunglasses
• N95 Face Mask
• Sewing Kit
• Latex Tubing (3’)
• Fishing Kit
• Condoms (Non-lubricated)
• Binoculars (Optional)
• Face Paint
• Military Surplus Survival / Snare Wire

Okay, I don't know what a Shemagh is but you can bet I'll be looking it up!

The EMP line is my input, LOL. 
EMP-Electro Magnetic Pulse. This could wipe out all technology if it happens. Really, it will. Check out the many disaster movies that prove it!

Now, these are not set in stone! Just suggested items and as you can see they are similar but not identical. The main agreement seems to be to have food and water available. If you have to dig in where you are, in the event of an emergency remember to fill your tub and sinks full of water. Water is essential.

Wonder what I think the world will be like? Check out my new series coming later this year.

A Dragon's Fated Heart series.