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Livestock

Winter usually means the end of the growing season, shorter daylight hours, and possibly bitter cold temperatures.

That means your livestock will need to be handled very differently. The preparation leading up to winter will determine how well your livestock come through the winter months.

Preparation is Important

Following are some tips to prepare your livestock and homestead for the cold months ahead.

First, make sure your animals are in the best condition possible going into the winter months. Nothing takes more of a toll on livestock than to enter into the winter in poor condition.

Fall is a time to rid your livestock of internal and external parasites. That will help them gain and maintain their weight during a time when temperatures are lower and fresh green growth is not available. In cold climates, an enormous amount of calories are used simply to maintain body heat.

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Livestock Need Sufficient Shelter

The next area to look at is your livestock shelter arrangements for the winter. The three winter rules are:

• Keep them dry.
• Keep them free of drafts and wind.
• Provide housing large enough to accommodate all the stock.

Not providing enough space for your livestock can mean injuries from crowding or more submissive animals being forced out in the cold.

Don’t confuse “free of drafts and wind” with ventilation. Any building structure needs to have adequate ventilation to keep air quality acceptable for the animals and avoid moisture problems.

Check buildings for loose or missing roofing, and repair any leaks. Keeping animals dry will go a long way toward keeping them healthy and comfortable.

The best way to cut down on wind chill is to make certain barn openings are on the downwind side of the structure. Know your prevailing winds, and position openings to be the least affected by the wind.

Livestock

Plenty of Clean Bedding

A common mistake is not providing enough bedding material for animals in the winter. It makes no sense to spare bedding while simultaneously feeding more feeds to keep the stock warm and maintain condition. If they are young and growing, it’s even more important.

An easy way to provide solar heat to your livestock housing is by adding some clear panels to the roof. If you have metal roofing, this is accomplished by removing the screws holding on the metal and replacing it with clear sheets of roofing material. This will add extra light and heat during the day that your stock will enjoy.

Fresh Clean Water

The time to check water systems is before the temperatures drop below freezing. Make sure everything is in proper working order and insulate or add heat tape where needed.

Livestock need access to clean water at all times. If they are rushing to get a drink when you break the ice on your water troughs, it’s a sure sign that they aren’t getting enough to drink. Water is the body’s temperature regulation system. Dehydrated stock have a hard time maintaining body heat.

Cold or wet animals eat more feed, have lower immunity, and lose condition during winter months. This can be avoided by making certain they have dry, draft-free housing with plenty of room and bedding for everyone.

Winter can be a trying time for livestock, but following these guidelines will help with creature comfort, and you’ll sleep better at night as the cold winter wind blows outside knowing your livestock are dry and warm.

What advice would you add on keeping livestock warm during the winter? Share your advice in the section below:

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There are lots of ways to stay cool off-grid without air conditioning.

Since I am living in a century-old home off-grid without air conditioning during what is shaping up to be the hottest summer on record in the Pacific Northwest, I am learning some lessons on staying cool.

First, we need to take heat seriously. Heat can be a killer. Heat waves kill more people each year in the United States than all of the other natural disasters combined. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), more than 400 Americans die from heat-related illnesses in a typical year. That number is more than deaths from winter storms, extreme cold, floods, lightning, tornadoes and hurricanes put together.

So what are some low-cost, low-energy ways to keep cool– or at least somewhat comfortable – during a heat wave, off-grid without air conditioning. Here are a dozen “hot” ideas:

1. Change your activity schedule. Whenever possible, perform chores and other outside activities during the coolest part of the day. You may need to start earlier or end later, depending on when you get your cooler temperatures, but it will be well worth it.

2. Stay hydrated. Your body gets dehydrated much more quickly during extreme heat. Sweating, the human body’s main cooling mechanism, uses your body’s water. Our perspiration does not evaporate easily when the air itself is full of moisture, so we feel hotter on humid days.

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To compensate, you need to drink more water in hot weather and even more in hot, humid weather. If you feel thirsty, you are already on your way to becoming dehydrated. This summer, I have gotten into the habit of taking a water bottle with me pretty much everywhere I go.

3. Use a spray bottle. And fill it with water or a damp washcloth, damp bandana or commercially-sold “cooling towels” to help reduce your body temperature. Apply them on your forehead, behind your neck and on your feet for quick relief.

4. Wear loose, natural-fiber clothing in light colors. According to Cotton Council International, loose cotton clothing allows air circulation, which helps absorb perspiration and helps keep your body dry and cool. Light colors help light to pass through the fabric instead of being absorbed by the fabric. This is one of the  off-grid without air conditioning methods.

5. Use window coverings. I love summer sunshine, but there is such a thing as too much of a good thing this time of year. Keep shades and curtains drawn to reduce heat in your home when the sun is out.

6. Create cross ventilation. Keep windows open – especially windows that are on opposite sides of the home – to creates cross breezes. Install screens on windows and doors to keep insects out. As the day heats up, shut some windows to retain some of the cooler air. This is a off-grid without air conditioning method for survival.

7. Use fans. Window fans, ceiling fans and room fans don’t cool the air, but they do help air to circulate and therefore, provide relief. To cool the air a bit, try making an old-fashioned “swamp cooler” by placing a bucket or pan of ice or ice water in front of a fan. Invest in some battery-operated fans.

8. Minimize use of appliances. Your oven will heat up your kitchen. Limit its use by having cold suppers or by grilling outdoors. Dry your laundered clothing items on a line to reduce use of your clothes dryer. Hand wash and let dishes air dry as well rather than running your dishwasher.

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9. Reduce use of certain bulbs and lighting fixtures. Halogen bulbs, for instance, can generate a great deal of heat. LED lights and compact fluorescents will keep your home cooler.

10. Cool off in a pool or bathtub. Even a child’s wading pool can be effective in cooling you off considerably. If you feel silly sitting in a plastic pool, you can feel results by soaking your feet in the cool water for a while.

11. Eat lighter. There’s a reason we like to eat more fruit and salad during hot weather. They help hydrate us. Leafy greens, cucumbers, celery, tomatoes and watermelon are about 90 percent water, so they can help keep your body cool.

Also, you may want to turn up the heat – in your mouth, that is. Curries, chillies and other spicy foods can enhance circulation and cause you to sweat, which helps to cool the body down.

12. Let yourself build up a tolerance. Do you ever wonder how people have survived heat waves before air conditioning? By confining ourselves to air-conditioned homes, offices and stores, we have changed the way our bodies respond to heat. When you allow your body to experience heat and sweating, you can actually become accustomed to the heat. (It doesn’t mean you enjoy it; it means you can tolerate it.)

Here are some other quick tips for off-grid without air conditioning:

• Take cool showers.
• Decrease bathroom heat and humidity by running the bathroom fan after you shower.
• Let your hair air dry for a cooling effect.
• Close your fireplace flue to avoid losing cool air or introducing more hot air from the chimney.

Finally, here’s a word to all of the iced tea and iced coffee lovers out there. While the time-honored advice has been to avoid caffeinated beverages when the mercury soars, that thinking has changed.

According to the Institute of Medicine, caffeinated beverages supply us with more water than their caffeine causes us to lose. So if they help you stay hydrated this summer, drink up!

What are your tips for staying cool without air conditioning?

Do You Know The Trick To Keep Food Cool When The Power’s Out? Read More Here.

Gasoline Stockpiling?

Stockpiling supplies for an emergency is at the very core of survival. Unfortunately, though, not everything stores well, especially when we’re talking about months and years. Most food items don’t store well, but we are able to make up for that by the way we preserve and package them. Other items aren’t quite as easy.

Gasoline is one of these items. I think we all would agree that a good stockpile of gasoline will be extremely valuable in just about any survival scenario. The problem is in finding a way that we can store gasoline without it going bad.

What Makes Gasoline Go Bad?

Gasoline is not a simple chemical substance, such as ethanol or citrus acid. It’s a mixture of a number of different hydrocarbons, with the actual carbon ranging from four to 12 in a single atom. The fractional distillery which refines gasoline from petroleum also mixes in various additives, intended to help a vehicle’s performance.

Most of the chemicals in gasoline are highly volatile. Contrary to popular opinion, this doesn’t mean that they burn easily, but rather that they evaporate easily. It is the gasoline vapor, not the liquid gasoline, that we burn.

Typically, the most volatile parts of the gasoline mixture are also the most reactive or most flammable. As gasoline sits, these volatile parts evaporate, leaving the less flammable parts in place. While an internal combustion engine will still burn those parts and work, some efficiency will be lost.

The second thing that can go wrong with gasoline is that certain parts of it will oxidize, mixing with oxygen in the air to form new compounds. These new compounds are not as reactive as the original ones and, in fact, can cause problems in an engine. These new compounds congeal together, forming particles of a gum-like substance that can plug injectors and fuel filters. Fortunately, these are visible and filterable from the gasoline. They also cause the smell of the gasoline to change to a distinctly sour one.

Finally, the third culprit in the process of making gas go bad is water. The heating and cooling of the gasoline causes water to condense on the inside and outside of the container. The water condensation then mixes with the gas, reducing its reactivity.

What About Ethanol? 

Gasoline Storage Containers

In recent years, ethanol has been added to gasoline, in order to extend gasoline supplies. Typically, the gasoline we buy is 10 percent ethanol, or grain alcohol.

Chevron states on their website that adding ethanol to gasoline has no discernible effect on its life expectancy. However, ethanol is known to draw water out of the air, so it would seem that gasoline augmented with ethanol would absorb more water than pure gasoline would.

With all this, it would seem that it is virtually impossible to store gasoline for a prolonged period of time. Nevertheless, there are things that can be done in order to make it possible to store gasoline for months or even years.

Proper Gasoline Storage Containers

To start with, gasoline needs to be stored in truly airtight containers, whether metal or plastic. I prefer metal myself, as plastic containers can allow some small amount of oxygen to pass through. Generally speaking, the seals on plastic containers are made of plastic and there is a mold line running right through the sealing surface. Metal containers, on the other hand, do not have a mold line to contend with and use rubber seals.

During World War II, one of the ways that gasoline was shipped to the South Pacific was in five-gallon Jerry cans. Even with months of storage and shipping, the gas wouldn’t lose any of its potency. I use a 55-gallon drum, which seals tightly and has a non-sparking brass valve. The bung has been reinserted in the hole with Teflon tape to ensure that there are no air leaks.

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The fuller the container is, the less air there is in it to react with the gas. This will reduce the possibility of evaporation, oxidation and water contamination. However, a gas can should not be filled completely because some space needs to be left for expansion of the gas when it is hot.

It is safer to store gas outside the home, perhaps in a shed. But it is better for the gas if you can store it in a cool, dry place. The more consistent temperature will eliminate the expansion and contraction of the gasoline, allowing the container to be filled more. This also will reduce the likelihood of condensation by not allowing the gas to get cold enough to cause it.

Extending The Life Of Your Gasoline

Gas additives, such as Sta-bil, work well to extend the life of gas as well. They claim that they can add an additional six months to the life of the gas, without any other additives or change. Sta-bil works by replenishing chemicals that may have evaporated from the gas, and also reduces oxidation.

Another aid in storing gas for prolonged periods of time is to rotate your stock. Every month use five or 10 gallons of your existing stock and replace it with fresh gas. That ensures that you always have fresh gas on hand.

Finally, always be sure to filter any old gas, when using it in an internal combustion engine. That will allow you to remove any of the oxidized solids which have formed in the gas. This one step can make it possible to use gas that otherwise wouldn’t be usable.

What advice would you add on storing gasoline? Share your tips in the section below:

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Spring Storms are upon us.

The spring storm season is here, and for thousands of people in the United States, that means time to start preparing the homestead. It is important to becoming mentally aware of how to react should you find yourself in the midst of a natural disaster.

Summer and fall seasons bring a number of different types of storms, ranging from hurricanes and tornadoes to floods and wildfires. Being aware of the types of disasters your area is most prone to is important when preparing your home, and understanding your surroundings is key to being prepared. Ask yourself if you live in a mudslide or easily flooded area, and know what you and your family will do in case of an emergency. While forest fires can spread to nearly every region as quickly as the winds change, certain places know that they are more vulnerable to tornadoes, floods or hurricanes. Early preparation for your family and homestead is important when you only have a moment’s notice, so here are some tips to keep you as safe and secure as possible when natural disasters strike.

Equipment

While most people living the homestead lifestyle are probably already aware of the need for backup power, making sure that you have everything you need is another story. If you have solar generators as a backup, do you know how to use them in a power outage? If you use gas generators, do you have enough gas stockpiled? Combustibles should always be stored in appropriate containers and locked away from your home and children. Also, ensure you know where your fire extinguishers are and check yearly to see if they are filled and working properly. Extra batteries, flashlights, rope, duct tape, a crowbar, and a charged phone should always be part of your evacuation kits as well.

Spring Storm Home Readiness

Since there are so many different types of natural disasters, being prepared for anything can be a difficult task. It is wise to consider that when one disaster strikes, other consequences can follow. For this reason, start from the bottom and work up to ensure that every part of your home is covered. Pick things off of the floor in your basement or flood-prone areas, and elevate machinery such as washers and dryers onto a platform that is high enough to escape rising water levels. In the main part of your house, evaluate heavy and loosely secured items on the walls and ceilings, in case there is flying debris. Also, be sure to separate any chemicals that may mix together and cause toxic fumes in the event of earthquakes or storms.

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Secure your roof by checking yearly for loose shingles, and consider purchasing metal connectors to attach trusses and beams that will prevent roof lift during high winds. Hurricane clips, straps and ties can be purchased at your local hardware store to connect studs from your home to your roof, securing the structural integrity as best as is possible. Check outside your home for any low-hanging branches or trees that appear ready to die or fall over. In the case of flooding, the ground becomes soft, and large trees will easily uproot and fall, causing major damage to your property. If a tree is leaning toward your home, it is a good idea to consider having it removed. Also, bring in or secure any patio furniture, toys or loose items that are outside to keep them from blowing around and flying into your home.

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Make sure everyone in your family is aware of where the shut-off is for your utilities, such as power, gas and water, and also that each individual understands how to manually work the valves and switches. Keeping fresh, potable water stored in a safe and accessible location on your property is also something to consider in case of pump and electrical failure. If you haven’t built a shelter, take some time to look around your home and decide where the most structurally secure walls and roof beams exist, and make sure that this area is clear of any obstacles or potentially hazardous items that may shift during a natural disaster. If you have fair warning of impending disaster, always cover your windows with boards or storm shutters to keep flying objects from coming into your home.

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Kits/Personal Item Bags

During spring storm season, whether it be wildfires or tornadoes, keeping a bag of personal items and family treasures, such as priceless pictures and heirlooms, in a secure location that is easily accessible to move quickly will save the devastation of losing those belongings should anything happen to your home. (A modern alternative: Scan them and store them in the “cloud.”) A bag with emergency clothing and a first-aid kit should be prepared to grab and dash out of the house as well. Make sure to keep important information like your insurance policies and important phone numbers written down and not just saved in your phone, and keep time and date stamped pictures of your valuables for insurance purposes. Know your evacuation routes and keep an update on where local emergency shelters are in your area.

It is also a good idea to keep emergency items in your car for a quick exit, such as a first-aid kit, jumper cables, a spare tire, blankets, canned items, and clothes. In a camping kit, make sure to have pots and pans, utensils, matches or lighters, aluminum foil, and a can opener for food. Emergency camping blankets that shield from high heat and freezing temperatures can also be a lifesaver if you are caught outdoors, in your car, or in a situation where help may be delayed for an extended period of time. Store these items in a bag in your shelter, and make sure that you have easy access to them should you need to evacuate to your car quickly.

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Natural disasters can strike in a moment’s notice, so constantly being prepared and keeping your family informed of proper evacuation and safety procedures is the number one step to staying alive. Get underground or to a secure location in the event of tornadoes, evacuate flood-prone areas during hurricanes, never drive your car through flood water, and when water levels rise, always seek high, secure ground that isn’t prone to landslides.

Remember that winds shift quickly during fires, and water levels can rise in a moment’s notice during floods, so don’t wait until the last minute to decide what is best for your family. Homes can be repaired, but your family cannot be replaced. Always be aware of your surroundings and check for downed power lines, sinkholes, open sewage lines, or other potentially hazardous situations before approaching disaster areas. Being prepared for the impending storm season is the best way to keep yourself and your family safe and protected the whole year.

For more information and complete kit checklists, visit www.ready.gov/natural-disasters

What would you add to this list? Share your suggestions in the comments section below:

Keeping warm during a winter power outage can be difficult.

The recent polar vortex hit Texas hard. While the entire country suffered with unexpectedly cold temperatures which lasted for days; no other state had as many people without power, without water and dying from the cold weather.

But why should this be so?

First, no other state in the 48 continuous states reaches as far south as Texas does, except Florida. But Florida was left out of the fun and games that the rest of the country was facing. Had the polar vortex and freezing rain reached them, like it did Texas, it’s possible they would have suffered a similar fate. However, the one big difference is that Florida doesn’t have its own power grid.

Texas just isn’t prepared for such cold weather; and the combination of cold weather with freezing rain made it worse. Don’t believe those who say that Texas has a freeze like that every decade; that’s bending the facts considerably. Texas has freezes, but they’re overnight things, not something lasting four days. Nor do they usually come with freezing rain.

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So water pipes aren’t buried as deep in Texas, and home HVAC systems don’t have as much heating capacity. It’s not uncommon for homes to get chilly on the two or three nights of freezing weather that actually hits south Texas. Most people just put up with it, not knowing what else to do.

The standard prepper solution is to install a wood-burning stove in the home for use as an alternative heating method. That’s a good solution for those who own their homes. But people who are renting a house or apartment aren’t able to do that one.

Those who aren’t preppers face the problem of trying to keep their home warm, without having prepared for it. Some turn to using their stove, oven, or barbecue grille for this. That’s dangerous, because of the risk of carbon monoxide buildup in the home. Fireplaces and wood-burning stoves don’t create this sort of buildup, even though they produce carbon monoxide, because of the chimney. Whatever carbon monoxide is produced, goes up the chimney and is vented outside the home.

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So, what can someone do for heat, while maintaining a safe environment in their home?

Before answering that question, we need to define something. That is, what is survival heating? If you’re thinking that you need to have your home at 75°F to survive, then good luck. The so-called “comfort zone” is just that—comfort. But comfort is unnecessary for survival. All that’s needed is enough heat to help keep your core body temperature where it should be; anything else is actually a luxury.

I’ve spent a lot of time in Mexico, where few homes have any sort of heat at all. Those people aren’t accustomed to the cold, yet they make it through every winter. Up near the border which connects to south Texas, they have freezing temperatures every time south Texas does, yet they survive without central heating or a fireplace.

Warm Clothes and Blankets

The most basic way of keeping warm is to wrap yourself in several layers of warm clothes. While it may not be all that comfortable to eat dinner at the table with a winter coat and hat on, it’s really not a problem. We’re just so used to the idea of having a warm home, that we expect our home to keep us warm, rather than utilizing our body heat.

During the freeze, I wore heavy knit sweaters every day. That may not seem all that unusual to some people, but I rarely wear them, unless I’m going to be out in the cold. I just get hot too easily and I don’t want to be perspiring all over clothes that are hard to launder. But I was sure glad I had those sweaters available to me that week.

If you’re going to be sitting on the sofa, watching TV, what’s wrong with covering yourself with a blanket? We all do that at night to keep warm, so there really shouldn’t be a problem doing so during the day. Just about the same could be said about wearing a hat… which is the fastest way to warm yourself up. Make use of your body heat, rather than complaining that it’s cold.

Propane Burners

One of the safest heaters any of us can use in the home is a propane one. I normally don’t recommend propane heaters for survival situations; but that’s because of the problem coming up with enough fuel. However, that’s a non-issue in a short-term survival situation. Just make sure you’ve got an extra tank or two of propane on hand.

If you buy a propane heater, make sure that it’s rated for indoor use, not outdoor use. There is a difference in how they are made and the outdoor ones are not safe for the home.

Soapstone

In olden times people heated soapstones in the coals of the fire, to have portable heat. That could then be carried in a cloth carrier for providing heat in their wagon or set under the family pew in church. With their laps covered by a blanket, the radiated heat would help keep them warm.

Soapstone was used because… of all types of stone available for this purpose… soapstone and marble have the best thermal conductivity. Therefore, they absorb heat well, holding more than some other types of stone might. Then, when it’s time to use that heat, they radiate it out well. Metals, on the other hand, may absorb heat well, but they radiate transferred heat out too fast to be used as an effective heater.

The idea here would be to use the barbecue grille outside to heat up the stone, then bring it indoors to take advantage of that heat. At the same time, the stone could be replaced with another, so the cycle could continue.

But what if you don’t have a soapstone? Then use some other rock. While soapstone and marble are the best possible choices, other types of stone will work too; they just won’t work as well. That’s okay; whatever heat they produce is more than you have without the stone.

Terra Cotta Pot Heater

Finally, people have been using terra cotta flowerpots as a makeshift heater. The pot is placed upside-down over a can of the fuel that is used for chafing dishes. That’s safe to use indoors, because they don’t produce that much carbon monoxide.

The flowerpot is an essential part of this, because it keeps the heat from just rising to the ceiling. Rather, the heat warms the pot which then radiates the heat outwards, where it will do some good. The trick here is that the pot needs to be propped up in a way so that air can come in under the rim and then exist out the hole in the bottom (or top, since it’s upside down), of the pot.

If you have any other useful heating tips, please share them in the comments below. 

Taking inventory gives me the chance to see what I actually have. Yet, it also gives me the chance to check the condition of everything in my prepping stockpile as well.

Many people have special things they do at the beginning of the year. For me, that means taking inventory in more ways than one. That’s different than most ideas about the New Year, which are more likely to be about New Year’s Resolutions than anything else. I gave up on those back in my teen years, as I found that like many people I never kept those resolutions. So, while I have goals for my life, they aren’t in the form of New Year’s Resolutions.

But I find the beginning of the year a good time for many other things in life. The chief concern amongst them is taking stock of what has happened in the last year. I figure if I can manage to go forward at least a little bit each year, then I’m at least going in the right direction. I may not be going as fast as I want, but at least I’m not going backward.

Reviewing my year isn’t the only thing I do at the beginning of the year. I also try to plan out my goals for that year. I’m talking about things like, “I’m going to build a chicken coop and start raising chickens this year.” I don’t always get all my goals done, but if I don’t have them, I won’t get anything done.

Managing Your Prepping Stockpile: A Good Time To Keep Track

But there’s one other important thing I try to make sure I do every January. As part of taking stock in where I am, I take an inventory of my preps. Sadly, something seems to happen to my inventory sheets during the year which throws them off. I either have some really big mice around, or I’ve got family members who eat the food that’s supposed to be part of our prepping stockpile without notifying anyone of what they’ve done. Considering I have three grown children who all cook, that’s an easy problem to have.

Taking inventory gives me the chance to see what I actually have. Yet, it also gives me the chance to check the condition of everything in my stockpile as well. I’ve found through the years that not everything manages to stay good in storage. Even things that I expect to stay good, like canned goods, don’t always keep well.

By and large, canned goods will stay good for twenty years or more. I’ve read of cases where they opened and tested canned goods that were even 60, 80, or 100 years old. While they might have been slightly discolored and some of the nutrients may have oxidized, those canned goods were still perfectly edible. So, with that being the case, how can I have canned goods that go bad?

Here’s the thing: for canning to last that long, it requires that everything go perfectly in the canning process. If one thing goes wrong, it’s toast (actually, it’s a mess, but who’s being picky?). For example, if the coating on the inside of the can gets scratched, then the acid in some foods can attack the metal can, eventually causing a hole. This is why we’re always supposed to check the can before opening it.

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Solving Those Pesky Problems That Hamper Your Prepping Stockpile

We all go through a lot of effort to pack our food stocks and other supplies in such a way as to guarantee that they will last a long time without spoiling or becoming damaged. Even so, we must recognize the reality that our packaging efforts may not be perfect. I mitigate that problem through my annual inspection of everything I have stockpiled. On the whole, I look for anything that might be damaged or even suspect.

Anything that you find which is suspect you should remove from your prepping stockpile immediately. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean that you should throw it out completely. It may very well still be good, in which case you’ll find that it is when you open it. If it is still good, you can use it or repackage it and return it to your stockpile.

Nevertheless, if it isn’t good, then you need to add that item to your shopping list as something that you have to replace. As a result, you can keep your stockpile from running down by removing items and then replacing them appropriately. Keep aware of things like this, as I’ve seen many people remove things from their stockpile and forget to replace them. After a while, they forget they had removed it and expect it to still be there. But when they need that item, they are in for an unpleasant surprise.

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Rotate Supplies To Help Your Prepping Stockpile Stay Full

The other thing you can do to help eliminate this problem is to rotate your stock. This means combining your supplies for everyday use with your prepping stockpile. It helps to date the items with the day that you bought them. Then, you use the oldest container of the item you have and replace it with a new one on your next grocery trip.

One of the biggest problems people have with rotating stock is that they tend to diminish the amount of food they have on hand over time. Items that they use they don’t necessarily replace. There are two strategies you can employ which will help eliminate this problem.

Tip #1: Use A Pre-Printed List

The first is to keep a shopping list in your pantry with a pen hanging right by it. Next, when you take something out of the pantry, you mark it down right then. I like using a pre-printed list for this which covers all the common items that we use. A few blank lines allow me to add additional items that aren’t on the pre-printed list.

Tip #2: Designate Normal Stocking Levels 

The second useful trick is to create a pre-determined stocking level for each item. Let’s say that you keep 24 cans of corn on hand as part of your food stockpile. Furthermore, you also have a particular place in your pantry where you store them. When it comes time to go to the store, all you have to do is count how many you have on hand. Consequently, you’ll know how many more you need to buy in order to reach your normal stocking level.

To take this idea a step further, you could actually outline the area where you stock those cans of corn in. That would make it easier to see how many are missing, rather than having to count them. I personally like doing it this way, because it saves me time and helps ensure that I will do it.

You may also enjoy reading an additional Off The Grid News article: Top 8 Most Overlooked Survival Items To Stockpile

Do you have any other tips or suggestions on how to effectively maintain a prepping stockpile? Let us know in the comments below.

DIY Warm Winter Blankets Anyone Can Make

As the winter temperature drops far below freezing, many people start to get out their thicker blankets and perhaps add a throw or two on the couch to stay warm. Learning how to make a quilt or even just simple layering blankets is a great skill to have. It will help you keep your family warm and also serves as an excellent gift for loved ones.

Learning How to Quilt

Knowing the basics of sewing, both hand sewing and machine sewing, is quite beneficial for homesteaders and off-gridders. You can mend clothing, bedding and other household necessities which saves money and a trip to the store. It can become a very rewarding hobby, as well. Knowing your way around a machine also means you can dabble in quilting.

Those with zero sewing experience are often intimidated by the thought of making a quilt. It seems difficult and complicated but in reality, quilting doesn’t have to be that way. With simple patterns you can make a beautiful, long-lasting blanket without driving yourself crazy. It is, however, a time-consuming process but can easily be broken down into steps. I recall my grandmother having a few Rubbermaid storage tubs under her bed, with each containing a different quilting project at various stages. When she became tired of working on one, she should spend a week or two on a different project, then move to another.

DIY Warm Winter Blankets Anyone Can Make

One of the best ways to learn the basic of quilting is from a family member or friend. This traditional skill was often passed down but it seems to be a lost art in today’s world. Taking a quilting class is another wonderful option and can also open doors to new friendships. You can look online for quilting classes in your area or ask your local sewing/fabric shop. If you are very determined you can learn how to quilt right at home with the help of books, online videos or even an online course.

Other DIY Winter Blankets

Aside from quilting, you can also learn how to make knitted blankets as well as some basic thin blankets for layering.

Crocheting and knitting are two other skills that are great to have. I have found crocheting to be easier, but I know many who find knitting to be faster to learn. It isn’t difficult to learn one after the other so if you have zero experience, just choose whichever one is more appealing.

Knit blankets and throws generally require more time than a quilt but as an advantage you won’t need very much equipment as you would with sewing. Similarly to learning sewing basics, you can also learn how to knit or crochet from the help of a friend, through classes or on your own with the help of books and videos.

Here is a great resource to get you started:

And here are some basic crocheted and knitted winter blanket/throw patterns:

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If you have basic sewing skills but don’t want to take on the work of sewing a quilt, there are other simple winter blankets you can make with your machine (or by hand).

Here are some of my favorites:

• Faux Fur Throw – This blanket is one on my own “To-Sew” list. A good quality faux fur is warm and shouldn’t shed. Real fur is superior but faux fur is easier and makes an awesome gift. Although this throw is very basic, you can swap out the fleece for a different fabric. You can also make the dimensions larger or use batting between the fur and fabric to make it much warmer.
• Recycled Sweater Blanket – Recycling or “upcycling” materials is rarely a bad idea. With this tutorial you can use up those old sweaters or even scope out your local thrift store for some great deals.
• Fleece Blanket with Bias Tape – If you want a very basic project that you can easily complete in like 20 minutes, here it is. These fleece blankets look great with the added tape and would make the perfect gift.
• Lap Duvet – Love the look and weight of a quilt but don’t want to sew an entire quilt? These lap duvets are the perfect introduction to quilting. They can also double as a baby blanket.

Finally, for the most basic blanket you can keep on your couch for those cozy movie nights, here are a few no-sew ideas. These make a fun project for kids to do as well.

Do you have any favorite patterns for winter blankets or throws? Please share your ideas in the comment section below!

Frozen Pipes

One of the biggest issues during winter are water pipes freezing and possibly bursting. Frozen pipes can be a serious problem if they do burst and — depending on the damage — can cost quite a bit to fix. Not to mention it creates a mess and leaves you without running water.

If you are new to an area where frozen pipes are an issue, keep reading.

Obviously, the best way of avoiding frozen water pipes is learning what to do to prevent it from happening in the first place. It doesn’t take much effort to insulate and prepare waterlines for freezing temps.

Here are a few ways you can prevent frozen pipes:

1. Insulate Water Pipes Whenever Possible:

One major step in preventing frozen pipes is to ensure your pipes have some type of insulation. You can purchase foam pipe insulation covers from any hardware store. In a pinch you can also wrap old blankets or even newspaper around the pipes. As an added bonus, insulating your pipes properly will also help cut energy costs for heating water overall.

2. Disconnect All Outside Hoses and Water Lines:

This is especially important for people who live in a country setting and have multiple sources of water around their property. Generally, you aren’t going to be using very many hoses during winter, especially if you switch to water buckets for livestock. Shut off outside water lines that won’t be used until spring. Don’t forget to empty out the hoses as well.

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Also, even if you don’t have outside water lines to worry about, at least know how to shut off the water line in your home. This will be important if a pipe does burst in your home.

3. Keep House Warm Even If You’re Away:

It is usually recommended to drop your house’s temp if you’re away for the holidays during winter. Doing so helps your electric bill but can spell disaster for areas that freeze. The last thing you want is for your pipes to freeze and possibly burst when you aren’t even home to deal with it. Try to keep your house at a minimum of 68 F when you are away.

4. Keep Cupboards Open for Air Circulation:

Another tip that works when you are home or away is keeping open bathroom and kitchen cupboards if possible. Doing this will help warm air in your home reach the pipes easier.

Frozen Pipes

5. Use a Space Heater for Very Cold Winters:

If you’ve had past issues with freezing pipes or recently moved to an area that gets really cold, have a space heater or two on hand as a preventative measure. You probably won’t have to run the heater the entire winter but rather use it on very cold days. It is also important to have an extra space heater on hand if pipes do freeze, as you’ll see below.

6. Let Faucets Drip:

This seems odd but works very well. It is more difficult for pipes to freeze if the water is moving, even if slowly. At night or on extremely cold days turn on the faucet just until it begins dripping water. Aside from preventing frozen pipes it also will alert you if pipes are starting to freeze.

What to Do When Pipes Do Freeze

If your pipes are already frozen, don’t panic. You will need to carefully thaw them out and act quickly to prevent a burst line.

Turn On Space Heaters:

Use a space heater under your house if possible or aim the space heater as close as possible through the wall. If you don’t have a space heater or the freeze is in a small area, use a hair dryer. Of course, for safety reasons, do not use anything electric carelessly if there is water on the ground.

Turn On Faucet:

When thawing frozen pipes you will want to start as close to the faucet as possible. Be sure that when you do this you turn on the faucet a bit so the melted water can escape from the pipe. It is easiest if you have someone help you with this. Also, turning on the hot water will create steam which will further help defrost pipes.

It generally isn’t difficult to thaw frozen pipes; just use caution and a safe heat source.

As a final tip, sometimes you know a pipe is frozen but you can’t find where the ice is. A quick way of finding the block is to insert a garden hose through the pipe until it stops. Often, where it stops is where there is ice. For smaller pipes you can try unfolding a wire coat hanger and using that.

How to Deal With Burst Water Pipes

If you do have a burst line, follow these steps.

1. Immediately turn off your main water line.
2. Use caution when assessing the damage, especially if there is water on the ground and electrical devices, sockets or wires nearby.
3. Locate your burst pipe and decide whether you need a plumber or have the skill to fix it yourself.

If you have zero experience with plumbing or at all doubt your capability, call a plumber immediately. It is really recommended that anyone living in a rural area should have at least basic knowledge of plumbing and how to fix a burst pipe (at least temporarily) by yourself. If you rely solely on a plumber for help, it could take a long time for him or her to reach your home.

Thankfully, there are kits on the market that allow you to temporarily fix a broken pipe until you can get professional help. It would be wise to have a few of these kits on hand at all times.

How do you deal with frozen water pipes in your area? Feel free to share any tips and tricks in the comment section below, as well as any stories that may help others.

Survival in a Winter Blackout

Many people prepare for winter weather by putting together a winter survival kit in their car. But too few prepare an additional kit for their home, which can leave them unprepared when a winter ice or snowstorm hits and leaves them trapped there. Because preparing your house for a winter blackout is a significantly larger and more complicated undertaking than doing the same for your car, here’s a few tips to help you out:

1. Alternative source of heat

A winter snowstorm that knocks the power out will leave you with a cold house unless you have a heat source that doesn’t require electricity. The inside of your home can quickly drop to 40 degrees Fahrenheit when the power goes out. In this case, having plenty of blankets and warm clothing is essential.

But you’ll also need an alternative source of heat – such as kerosene – to keep your house warm until the power returns. Always check up on your alternative heat source to make sure it is operational and clean.

2. Food

It’s essential to keep plenty of food in your house for emergencies, but we all know that canned food and bottled water will not last forever. That’s why you should rotate your food and water in the pantry so you’ll always have plenty of fresh food and water available.

The World’s Healthiest “Storable” Survival Food!

You also would be wise to set aside specific food for emergencies and emergencies only such as a blackout in the middle of the winter. Rotate this food out at least once every six months.

3. Flashlights and batteries

Survive a Winter Blackout

It’s very likely that your power will be out if you’re stuck in your house from an ice or snowstorm. Having plenty of flashlights of varying kinds is imperative. You’ll also need plenty of extra batteries as well.

4. Tools

You’ll want to have the necessary tools on hand to make any needed repairs that result from a winter storm. If the branch of a tree falls and breaks a window, it’s much more critical to fix it when it’s freezing outside than when it’s summertime. Examples of tools to have on standby include a hammer and nails, screwdrivers, heavy duty plastic sheeting, and duct tape. These kinds of tools and materials won’t allow you to build things from scratch or fix things permanently. But they should help you make emergency repairs that will hold until the storm passes.

Get Free Electricity — That Works Even During Blackouts!

Remember that you’re not prepared for a winter snowstorm if you don’t have snow shovels to dig your way out. Make sure that your shovels are in your home and not outside or in a shed that’s separated from your house. Have several different ones in case one breaks or so that multiple people can shovel a pathway out at the same time.

5. Communication

Ice and wind during a winter blackout storm can damage phone lines. But it’s unlikely that an entire cellular network will be wiped out. Keep your cell or smartphone fully charged and make sure to have a backup batter source, as well as a car charger for your phone, in case the power goes out. Walkie-talkies are a good idea as they can help you stay in contact with family and friends. Radios that run on batteries help you know what’s going on in the outside world.

6. Evacuation vehicle 

If a medical emergency happens or your house is significantly damaged, you will need some type of transportation. It’s wise to invest in snowmobiles or a vehicle made to run quickly through the snow. Snowmobiles are preferable to your car in this case, because your car may be snowed in or it may not be made for icy, winter environments. Keep your snowmobile filled with gasoline, fully operational, and within easy access from your house. Ideally, each snowmobile should have a can of extra fuel, snowshoes, and a winter survival pack tied to the rear behind the seat.

Related:

Kerosene: The Best Backup Heat For Off-Gridders?

What would you add to this list of necessary items for a winter blackout? Share your suggestions in the section below:

hidden dangers of winter

Even for the seasoned outdoorist, it’s good to review wintertime safety protocols so that they are fresh in your mind.

Too often we become relaxed, believing that nothing bad will happen to us. Yet things don’t always go as planned, and it is better to be safe than sorry.

Here are four wintertime safety and awareness issues that everyone should keep in mind.

1. Watch out for black ice.

Black ice is ice hidden under the snow. It can be on roads, walkways, steps or even in your yard where the ground is hard. Fresh snow can create the illusion that it is safe to walk on it. An unexpected fall on ice can lead to serious injuries – and if you hit your head, even death.

Sometimes, though, walking on ice in unavoidable. If so, walk like a penguin. Yes, a penguin! Waddling like a penguin allows you to maintain balance by centering your upper body over your legs. Simply hold your arms out at your sides, keep your feet shoulder distance apart, and take small, waddling steps. Remember to breathe and to stay limber, as well. If you do fall, keeping limber can protect your body from injury, as being too stiff can make injuries worse. Also, try to land on your bum or upper thighs where you have more padding, as opposed to trying to stop the fall with your hands, which can result in fractures or breaks.

2. Know the signs of frostbite.

Frostnip is the tingling feeling that happens first, and it is a warning sign that your body parts are becoming too cold. When you feel tingling in your fingers, hands, toes, feet, nose or ears, it is a sign that you need to warm up. If you ignore the signs, it can lead to frostbite. During this first stage, you will notice redness, and it might be painful, but permanent damage will not occur as long as you take action.

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hidden dangers of winter

Frostbite begins when your skin becomes numb and starts to turn pale, or even white. You may start to feel warm, but this is not a good sign at this stage because it is an adverse reaction to the frostbite. If not treated immediately, the skin of the affected body parts will start to die and will turn black.

As your body tries to fight the frostbite, you may experience intense shivering, loss of coordination, slurred speech and drowsiness. It is imperative to seek warmth and emergency help as soon as possible.

3. Monitor carbon monoxide levels.

Carbon monoxide is an odorless, invisible gas. Without taking proper measures, you will not know it is present until it is too late. Therefore, it is imperative to keep a carbon monoxide detector in your home and any other place where you use a heat source.

Carbon monoxide can be produced from a natural gas or wood fireplace, as well as from kerosene and similarly fueled heaters. A good way to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning is to have your equipment checked each season and ensure there is proper ventilation.

Here are the signs of carbon monoxide poisoning:

• A dull headache.
• Weakness.
• Dizziness.
• Nausea.
• Shortness of breath.
• Blurred vision.
• Vomiting.
• Confusion.
• Loss of consciousness.

Don’t let these symptoms fool you into thinking you simply have the flu, especially if you use one of the heat sources mentioned. Get outside immediately in the fresh air. Call 911 as soon as possible and have your home and source tested for the leak.

4. Watch for the signs of hypothermia.

Don’t take shivering lightly. It could be a sign that your core body temperature is dropping. Shivering doesn’t mean you are in danger yet, however. You still have time to act. If the shivering becomes uncontrollable, more than likely hypothermia is setting in. It is imperative that you get to a warm place soon.

Know the signs of hypothermia:

• Start to feel clumsy.
• Feeling drowsy.
• The shivering becomes uncontrollable.
• The shivering stops
• Your speech is slurred.
• You notice you are making poor decisions.
• Your energy levels are dropping fast.

Treatments for hypothermia:

• Remove any wet clothing.
• Keep moving. You need to raise your body temperature.
• Move toward warmth and a shelter if possible.
• Begin re-warming with dry clothing, blankets, heat packs or by a fire.
• Drink hot liquids — but, not alcohol or caffeine, which can aid in heat loss.

Remember that other hazards are possible too, such as injuries from shoveling snow. Be smart, be aware, and do things as safely as possible.

It is better to be prepared for wintertime emergencies than not to be. You never know when you might find yourself in a survival situation.

What advice would you add? Share it in the section below: