2018-06-01 American Survival Guide

How-to: Make Yourself Invisible

FOOD WATER SHELTER SECURITY COMMS HEALTH

Vol. 7 Issue 6

SECRET ANTHRAX LAB LEAK KILLED SCORES

PANIC IN

PARADISE Hawaii’s 38 Minutes in Hell

POCKET

TOOLBOX

POWERHOUSES Swiss Army Knives— Perennial Necessities

PULLING

THE PLUG How to Go Silent and Not Be Found

THE CARIBBEAN

CATASTROPHE Timely Lessons for Surviving Hurricanes

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FEATURES 12 PANIC IN PARADISE 38 minutes in hell By Dana Benner

40 DEATH FROM WITHIN

A Soviet government cover-up is uncovered. By Al J. Venter

48 THE PREPPING PARADOX Are survival preparations relevant today? By Michael D’Angona

68 LEARNING FROM THE CARIBBEAN CATASTROPHE Lessons and advice for surviving hurricanes By Larry Schwartz

106 PULLING THE PLUG

58 HOW TO PREPARE FOR HURRICANES Don’t be scared; be prepared. By Brian M. Morris

88 DON’T KICK THAT CAN! Survival hacks for discarded aluminum cans By Christopher Nyerges

REVIEWS

22 PERFORMANCE AND PRICE

Bargain blades from Steel Will Knives

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By Jim Cobb

98 POCKET TOOLBOX POWERHOUSE

Swiss Army Knives are practical and multi-functional. By Reuben Bolieu

How to go silent and not be found By Brian M. Morris

HOW-TO

30 MAKE YOURSELF INVISIBLE Camouflage protection for all senses By Larry Schwartz

AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE (ISSN 2331-8937) is published 12 times a year—January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December—by Engaged Media, Inc., 17890 Sky Park Circle, Suite 250, Irvine, CA 92614. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to American Survival Guide c/o VSI, Inc. 905 Kent Street Liberty, MO 64068. © 2018 by Engaged Media, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction of any material from this issue in whole or in part is strictly prohibited. GST #855050365RT001 Canada Post: Publications Mail Agreement #40612608. Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to: PITNEY BOWES, INC. P.O. Box 25542 London, ON N6C 6B2, Canada.

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GEAR GUIDE

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SHARP SIDEKICKS

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Savor this selection of edged tools.

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By Michael D’Angona

DEPARTMENTS

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FIRST WORDS

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NEW PRODUCTS

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LAST WORDS

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Some articles in this issue might include stock images that are the property of Getty Images.

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VOL. 7 ISSUE 06

EDITORIAL Mike McCourt Editor Kelly Nomura Executive Managing Editor Amy Maclean Managing Editor

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THEWAKE-UP CALLOF 2017

t happens every year: June 1 is the beginning of the hurricane season for the U.S. Gulf and Atlantic coasts. Because of last year’s historic storms, the expectation is that people in those areas will have a heightened sensitivity to warnings and watches for big weather events this year. The rest of us should learn from these events as well. Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria left permanent marks on the areas they impacted; and, with 17 named storms, the season was almost 50 percent more active than the 30-year average. 2017 was among the 10 most active and destructive Atlantic seasons on record. Even though most of us prepare for what we envision as a worst-case-scenario-to-be, Maria serves as an eye-opening wake-up call for what that can look like—in real terms. By some estimates, it will take over a year to repair Puerto Rico’s damaged infrastructure, and some of the destruction in the region will probably never be reversed. In this month’s issue, we’ll talk about some of the preparations you should make now for the possibility of equally devastating events in 2018. We also look at some things that government and first responders should question about their approach in readying for these horrific storms. Two questions about last year’s events stand out in my mind. First, were residents, governments and NGOs unprepared for these storms because these areas hadn’t been subjected to serious (category 3 or stronger) hurricanes for 12 years? Having spent time in south Florida before and during numerous hurricane seasons, I am aware of the preparations many people make. A lot of Floridians take serious steps in advance of the season. From stocking up on food and water to equipping their homes with hurricane shutters, they understand what the risks are,

and they make a reasonable effort to be self-reliant when wicked weather approaches. But going 12 years without a truly bad storm can desensitize even the most resolute prepper. If Maria was truly a wake-up call, will they review and add to their survival stores this year so they can go longer without assistance from first responders and relief workers? I hope so. The same question applies to the local, state and federal public safety organizations and NGOs that would respond to areas impacted by these storms. Are their plans and SOPs up to date and practiced enough for the teams to be effective when the need arises? Are the relief supplies and equipment they need ready to go and where they ought to be? Now is the time to ask, “Where is … ?” and “Who will … ?” rather than the victims asking, “Where was … ?”, “Who should have … ?” and “Why didn’t … ?” after the floodwaters and wind subside and the rescues and rebuilding begin. My second question is, Are there some threats for which the average person simply can’t do enough preparation? In Puerto Rico, thousands of people were still without utilities and basic services more than six months after the storm. Even if these people had put away 1,000 percent of the supplies that the government and relief agencies suggest, they would only have had enough of the basics to last 30 days! Many are using solar panels and other means to get by, but increasing numbers have given up and are leaving the island. This reinforces the importance of having both hunker-down and bug-out plans in place. Whether you live in a natural disaster-prone zone or are concerned about profound civil unrest or an industrial or nuclear accident, take a look at what happened to the victims of Harvey, Irma and Maria. Then consider if there is any more you can do to protect yourself and your family from the wake-up call that might come your way. —Mike McCourt

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DESIGN Nadezda Sverdlova Art Director CONTRIBUTORS Dana Benner, Jim Cobb, Reuben Bolieu, Michael D'Angona, Brian M. Morris, Christopher Nyerges, Larry Schwartz, Al J. Venter ADVERTISING Bob Hulsy Ad Sales Director (714) 200-1940 [email protected] Casey Cliff ord Senior Account Executive (714) 200-1982 Mark Pack Senior Account Executive (714) 200-1939 Charles Dorr Account Executive (714) 200-1931 Spencer Redmond Account Executive (972) 448-4649 John Bartulin Account Executive (866) 866-5146 ext. 2746 John Cabral Advertising Design Eric Gomez Advertising Traffic Coordinator Gennifer Merriday Advertising Traffic Coordinator MARKETING Michael Chadwick Digital Marketing & Media Coordinator OPERATIONS Robert Short IT Manager Parveen Kumar Newsstand and Circulation Analyst Shailesh Khandelwal Subscriptions Manager Alex Mendoza Administrative Assistant EDITORIAL, PRODUCTION & SALES OFFICE 17890 Sky Park Circle, Suite 250, Irvine, CA 92614 (714) 939-9991 • Fax: (800) 249-7761 www.asgmag.com www.facebook.com/americansurvivalguidemagazine www.facebook.com/eembybeckett AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE (ISSN 2331-8937) is published 12 times a year— January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December—by Engaged Media Inc., LLC, 17890 Sky Park Circle, Suite 250, Irvine, CA 92614. POSTMASTER: SEND ADDRESS CHANGES TO AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE, C/O ENGAGED MEDIA INC, VSI, INC. 905 KENT STREET, LIBERTY, MO 64068. © 2018 by Engaged Media, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction of any material from this issue in whole or in part is strictly prohibited. GST#855050365RT001. Canadian Post: Publications Mail Agreement Pitney Bowes, Inc., P.O. Box 25542, London, ON N6C 6B2, Canada CUSTOMER SERVICE Engaged Media, Inc. 17890 Sky Park Circle, Suite 250, Irvine, CA 92614 Subscriptions, address changes, renewals, missing or damaged copies: (800) 764-6278 (239) 653-0225 Foreign Inquiries [email protected] [email protected] Back issues: www.engagedmediamags.com Books, merchandise, reprints: (800) 764-6278 • Foreign (239) 653-0225 Letters to the editor, new products or to contribute a story or photo: [email protected] SUBSCRIPTION RATES $32.95/1 year, $52.95/2 years. Outside the United States, add $32.00 per year payable in U.S. funds. Single copy price is $8.99. Please allow 6 to 8 weeks for new subscriptions to begin.

ENGAGED MEDIA, INC. Scott Hall CEO Tom Conradi Group Publisher Pinaki Bhattacharya Vertical Manager Jason Mulroney Director of Content Philip Trinkle Newsstand Sales Director Syed Nazir Razik Digital Marketing Director This magazine is purchased by the buyer with the understanding that information presented is from various sources from which there can be no warranty or responsibility by Engaged Media Inc., as to the legality, completeness or technical accuracy. GST #855050365RT001 Canada Post: Publications Mail Agreement #40612608 Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to: PITNEY BOWES, INC., P.O. Box 25542, London, ON N6C 6B2, Canada

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Peltor Sport Tactical 300 Electronic Headphones

Benchmade 101 Follow-Up Neck Knife

World Gone Silent HF Radio Kit

RED Single Rifle Case By Explorer

The Peltor Sport Tactical 300 hearing protector uses 3M SMART technology that suppresses harmful gunshot noise above 82 dBA. At the same time, it increases the volume of low-level sounds so you can have an enhanced awareness of your surroundings. The headphones feature user-friendly controls and voice guidance for operation without removing the headset. Its noise reduction rating (NRR) is 24, and its recessed microphones reduce wind noise. The headband is vented and adjustable. These headphones are foldable to fit into a range bag.

Designed to be worn where you need it the most, the 101 makes a capable backup blade for many everyday tasks—and some you hope you won’t encounter. The one-piece tool is jimped at all contact points so you’ll always have a positive and confident grip. The skeletonized handle allows the knife to meld to your hand; this is especially good when dexterity is of prime importance. The drop-point blade slips securely into the Boltaron sheath that’s ready to be mounted on a belt or breakaway neck chain. Its overall length is 5.99 inches, and it weighs 2.65 ounces. The blade length is 2.6 inches. This knife is made of CPM-S30V stainless steel with a hardness of 58–60 HRC.

At just 12 pounds and nestled in its own pack, the World Gone Silent HF Radio Kit will go with you when it’s time to get out of Dodge. With everything you need to get started, including a comprehensive, plain-English, kit-level “getting started” manual, you can be on the air before the grid goes down and the rest of the world goes silent. The kit offers a 100-watt Yaesu FT857 transceiver with HF bands and VHF/UHF frequencies and includes a high-efficiency LiFePo battery. Antennas: SOTABeams 20/40 meter; VHF/UHF Slim Jim. Everything is contained in a high-quality nylon backpack with room for additional gear.

RED cases comprise a new series made by Explorer Cases that addresses the need for dependable weapon protection and transportation at prices that compete with mass-market competitors. They are water-, dust-, crush- and shockproof and have a purge valve like the ones you’ll find on high-end cases. The Single Rifle Case offers the choice of user-customizable foam or a custom #114 Gunbag. Three strategically placed handles and heavy-duty wheels with ball bearings make moving your gun easy. Four locking points keep your gun secure and safe. Internal dimensions: 44.75x13.75x5.312 inches; external dimensions: 46.82x16.312x6.25 inches. The case weight (with foam) is 19.4 pounds. It is TSA Travel Sentry-approved.

MSRP: $149.99 www.3M.com

MSRP: $115 www.Benchmade.com 8

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MSRP: $1,449 https://WorldGoneSilent.com

MSRP: $189.99 www.ExplorerCases.net

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he seasoned prepper has a lot of needs. You are aware of, concerned about and, dare I say, prepared for many potential risks that can come your way without a moment’s notice. To be ready means to be knowledgeable on a multitude of subjects and properly outfitted with

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a diverse collection of gear and equipment. Both are continuing challenges that American Survival Guide works hard to help you meet. In this month’s “New Products,” we’ll take a look at some of the new gear we found at the 2018 SHOT Show that might help you fill some critical gaps in your kit ... or simply trigger new pangs of desire.

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Coast FL75R Rechargeable Focusing Headlamp

Shield Sights Close Quarter Sportsight

Shield Sights Reflex Mini Sight

5.11 Tactical XPRT 3.0 6-Inch Boots

The FL75R headlamp runs on a lithium-ion battery that can be charged inside or outside the unit, and you can also use three AAA alkaline batteries. The beam is adjustable and twists from a wide flood to a tight, piercing spot, depending on the task at hand. It also has a fixed red LED that enables you to see where you’re going without losing your night vision—in case you need to go dark in a pinch. Its lumen outputs are 530 (“high”) and 65 (“low”), and the runtimes are 2 hours, 15 minutes (“high”) and 11 hours (“low”). The beam distances are 511 feet (“high”) and 177 feet (“low”). A reflective head strap is included.

The Close Quarter Sportsight is among the smallest, lightest and most durable sights in its class and provides parallax-free, full field-ofview target acquisition. Built without a laser or radioactive materials, it uses a red LED as its light source. The single 3V lithium CR2032 battery has an expected life of up to three years when used at night. Compatible with night vision equipment, the automatic brightness adjustment works quickly and has a wide range. Red dot size options are 1 MOA + 65 MOA ring, 4 MOA and 8 MOA. This sight's matte-black anodized aluminum body weighs just 2.2 ounces. Its operating temperature range is -51 to 120 degrees (F). It is not affected by heavy rain, mist, fog or salt spray and is water-resistant at 1 meter for 30 minutes.

This mini red-dot sight is small enough to fit on any gun, tough enough to withstand recoil and light enough so you won’t notice it when you’re shooting. The lens has an anti-reflective coating, provides no magnification and is parallax-free. A wide range of mounts is available. The light source is LED with 4 and 8 MOA dot sizes. Its single 3V lithium battery lasts up to four years. This sight features an automatic brightness adjustment and is compatible with night vision devices. It is manufactured of matteblack aerospace aluminum. Dimensions: 1.7x1.0x0.9 inches.

Specifically designed for optimal performance on wet and dry surfaces in most any terrain, the XPRT 3.0’s Vibram Megagrip outsole provides the grip you need whenever you are on your feet. The full-grain leather upper with stay-tied sausage laces provides the support and fit you need on pavement or the trail. The Kevlar heel and side ankle abrasion protection reduce nagging foot injuries and extend wear life. The eVent Protect BBP waterproof lining keeps feet comfortable and less susceptible to wet weather ailments. These boots are available in black and dark coyote.

MSRP: $495

MSRP: $209.99

MSRP: $479

www.ShieldPSD.com

www.511Tactical.com

MSRP: $105 https://CoastPortland.com

www.ShieldPSD.com [ASGMAG.COM] AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE

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9 Stack-On Flex 14-Gun Cabinet This welded-steel 14-gun cabinet is part of the new FLEX line of cabinets being launched by Stack-On. The steel grid system allows the user to customize the interior to fit their needs. Storage bins, tactical weapon stand-offs and the four-position handgun rack can be positioned as desired, depending on the owner’s current requirements. Exterior dimensions are 21x16x55 inches; the cabinet weight is 85 pounds. Its three-point locking system is secured by a double-bitted key lock. It features molded barrel rests, a padded floor and comes in four colors. This cabinet is approved by the California DOJ as a firearm storage device.

MSRP: $179 www.Stack-On.com

10 Lalo Shadow Intruder 8-Inch Boots Built for and with the U.S. Special Forces, these boots have features that improve comfort and durability over the long haul. With patented bi-fit boards, compression-molded, dual EVA midsoles and insoles, and slip-resistant, lightweight rubber outsoles, these boots offer both a cushioned fit and reliable, stable rubber outsoles for confidence on almost any surface. Their leather uppers have a breathable membrane and moisture-wicking antimicrobial upper lining to promote good foot health, especially in wet conditions. These boots weigh 1 pound, 6.7 ounces per pair and come in Ranger Green.

MSRP: $275 https://LALO.com

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Morakniv/Mora Fishing Knife Multipack

SIG Sauer 48-Inch Springback Dog Leash

Coast HX5R Rechargeable Flashlight

Explorer 4 Gun Rolling Case

This handy set includes a fillet knife and de-scaler from Morakniv. Made in Sweden, these knives feature the highest-quality Swedish steel. Whether you are building your first fishing kit or are already an avid fisherman, this set is what you need if you plan to catch fish. The Fishing Comfort fillet 155 knife’s Sandvik 12c27 stainless blade is 6.1 inches long and is versatile enough for most fish. The Fishing Comfort scaler 098 is an agile fish-cleaning knife with a serrated back for scaling. The high-friction grip confidently keeps the knife where you want it. Each knife includes an easy-to-clean plastic belt sheath. The sharpener has a fine (600) diamond surface that will keep your knives sharp.

This leash is a great way to keep your canine companion close by, especially when you are in crowds or new environments. It is built with tough, 1-inch tubular webbing that is essentially a double-thickness leash. The internal bungee works like a shock absorber by allowing an additional 6-inch stretch and eases shocks when pulling. The padded, breathable handle is comfortable, even on long excursions, and the accessory D-ring also has a bottle opener in case you or your wingman gets thirsty. This dog leash comes in black and gray with a red handle.

MSRP: $25.00

This new light is a rechargeable version of Coast’s dual-power HX5 light. It gets its power through a USB connector housed inside the tail cap. Alternatively, you can use the included cord. The light features a sliding head that adjusts from a spot to a flood beam pattern. The switch is located just behind the head on the aluminum body, which also features a two-way pocket/hat clip. You can also use alkaline batteries, which reduce output but increase runtime. Lumen outputs: 340 (“high”) and 75 (“low”). Runtimes: 1 hour, 30 min (“high”) and 4 hours, 15 minutes (“low”). Beam distances: 583 feet (“high”) and 262 feet (“low”). This light includes a strobe function and is water-resistant to IPX4 standard.

Ideal for the serious enthusiast or instructor, this case features a telescoping handle and two heavy-duty, ball-bearing wheels for hassle-free mobility of up to four handguns and accessories. It accommodates guns as large as full-sized 1911s. This box is water-, dust-, shock- and crushproof and will keep your weapons secure with two locking points. Internal dimensions: 20.38x10.88x8.56 inches; external dimensions: 21.5x13.69x9.75 inches. Its weight with foam is 16.75 pounds. This case features a soft-grip rubber carry handle and is TSA Travel Sentry-approved.

www.SIGSauer.com

MSRP: $29.99

MSRP: $69.99

https://CoastPortland.com

www.IndustrialRev.com

MSRP: $249 www.ExplorerCases.net

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HAWAII’S RUDE AWAKENING 38 MINUTES IN HELL BY DANA BENNER

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› Right: Located near the western edge of Waikiki, Diamond Head Crater is home to Hawaii’s Emergency Management Agency. Because of the location’s prior role in the island’s shore defense, it is one of the most fortified places in the islands.

› Below: A view of Honolulu on the morning of January 13, 2018, just before the erroneous alert was transmitted throughout the state

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here are a few of us around who still remember the Cold War. Starting in the 1950s and ending in December 1991, it was a time of constant concern, vigilance and tension. The threat of a nuclear attack from the Soviets was an omnipresent reality to most Americans. In school, we were taught to “duck and cover,” and fallout shelters were commonplace in larger cities such as New York, Los Angeles and Boston. Most people today have no concept of any of these things; so, unfortunately, the events of January 13, 2018, should serve as a wake-up call to all Americans. At about 8:07 a.m. (local time), the people of Hawaii received an emergency alert on their cell phones that said, “Ballistic Missile Threat Inbound to Hawaii. Seek Immediate Shelter. This Is Not a Drill.” These phone alerts were soon followed by alerts on highway signs, as well as on radio and television broadcasts. There was

instant panic and confusion, and many people, locals and tourists alike, had no idea what to do. Although the authorities knew in fewer than 15 minutes that there was no threat, it wasn’t until 38 minutes later that the public learned the missile alert was a mistake.

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IT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO HEED THE WARNINGS PUT OUT BY THOSE WHO ARE THERE TO PROTECT US.

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‹ An SM-3 that was launched from the USS Hopper, an Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, successfully engaged its target during a training exercise.

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‹ Tourists add to Hawaii’s resident population and need to be taken into consideration when planning for any emergency.

‹ Cruise ships are constantly moving in and out of Hawaii’s ports. Large ships provide a great opportunity for bringing dirty bombs and other large-scale threats to shore. This makes it difficult for emergency management agencies to protect people and property.

AMERICA IS NORTH KOREA’S TARGET, AND THE MOST LOGICAL AMERICAN TARGETS ARE ALASKA, GUAM, HAWAII AND THE PACIFIC COAST OF THE U.S. MAINLAND. AMERICANS HAVE GOOD REASON TO BE CONCERNED. WHAT HAPPENED? The world today is a very scary place. During the days of the Cold War, the threat came mainly from the former Soviet Union. Today, things are different. It seems every country with an axe to grind has nuclear capabilities or the ability to get them (see the sidebar on page 18). Unstable governments with nuclear weapons, coupled with unstable leaders acting like schoolyard bullies, make the likelihood of some kind of event a reality. The fact that North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and American President Donald Trump exchanged “Who’s got the biggest missile?” rhetoric—with no apparent concern for the potential results—has many people worried. The North Koreans won’t launch a missile, particularly a nuclear missile, at South Korea or Japan, because these countries are too close. They won’t launch at China, because China is North Korea’s main source of raw materials. The same can be said for Russia. America is North Korea’s target, and the most logical American targets are Alaska, Guam, Hawaii and the Pacific coast of the U.S. mainland. Americans have good reason to be concerned. Many states, including Hawaii, have started training for what could happen, running "inhouse” drills to make sure the systems are in place, just in case the need arises. Currently, these drills are not supposed to be broadcast to the public without prior notice in an effort to avoid panic. Rather, they are used to work out any bugs in the system. In this particular case, human error—in the form of a worker who pushed the wrong button—is what caused this event. If the authorities knew there was no threat

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‹ Left: This sign marks the location of a Cold War-era fallout shelter in New York City. Temporarily viable options in their day, many former shelters are no longer marked, and most have been converted to other uses. Any survival supplies were discarded long ago.

‹ Below: Inside an intact fallout shelter in Washington, D.C. These cases are full of “all-purpose survival biscuits” that were made in 1962.

FEAR AND TERROR ARE EXACTLY WHAT OUR ENEMIES WANT US TO FEEL. YOU COMBAT TERROR WITH TRAINING AND BY BEING PREPARED.

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‹ Bottom: One of many emergency supply kiosks in the subways of Seoul, South Korea. There are also more than 3,300 shelters in Seoul in case of an attack.

WHAT IF IT HAD BEEN REAL? What if this were not a mistake? What if it had been an actual attack? What should you do? These are all great questions; and the answers are some of the lessons learned from this event. It has been a long time since the American people had a need to be concerned about a possible missile attack. This one error revealed flaws in our system. It created 38 minutes of pure terror for the people of Hawaii. Fear and terror are exactly what our enemies want us to feel. You combat terror with training and by being prepared. Being prepared is not just something for our government or our military— it is something all of us need to do in case something does happen. First, everyone needs to realize that there are numerous warning systems and plans in place to combat an ICBM (intercontinental ballistic missile) attack. The local warning system is the last in that long line. Every second of every day, the military and intelligence agencies monitor satellites flying high above Earth. These satellites can pick up a missile launch within seconds, pinpoint the launch site and calculate its trajectory and possible target. Next, the missile will be picked up by both land- and ship-based radars, both U.S. and those of some of our allies. Within a matter of minutes, a decision would be made to intercept the missile or let it go. Interception could be made with either land-based systems or systems onboard U.S. Navy ships anywhere in the world.

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within a matter of 15 minutes, why did it take 38 minutes to call off the alert? Very simple: The office of Hawaii’s Emergency Management Agency (HEMA) did not have the software to cancel such a warning loaded into its computers. It took 38 minutes to find the problem and get the software loaded. Safeguards have since been put in place to keep such an incident from happening again.

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‹ A Border Patrol agent uses a Geiger counter to check vehicles and freight entering the United States. This is part of an effort to ensure no nuclear weapons are smuggled into the country through the nation’s ports.

You might have an underground bug-out shelter nestled deep in the mountains and stocked with endless supplies. That is great, but you probably will not be able to reach it in the 15 minutes you have before impact. That means you will have to shelter in place and hope for the best. If you are at home and have taken the time to prepare for the worst, you and those with you might survive this ordeal. The amount of time you will spend sheltering in place could range from a few hours to a few days or weeks ... or more. What follows is a very short list of must-haves for basic survival. Ideally, you will have these in place before a situation arises. Either way, you’ll need— • Water: Collect all the bottled water you have and also fill every clean receptacle you can. You can never have enough water. After a nuclear event, there is a good chance that water will be contaminated—which means it has to be treated. A Sawyer S3 water purifier or similar device is great to have on hand. • Food: As quickly as you can, grab every can of pre-cooked food on your kitchen shelves. Don’t take anything you need to cook or heat up to eat, unless you will be using Sterno to heat it. Last, but not least, grab a non-electric can opener. A military-issue P-38 should be on your keychain at all times. • Communications: You need to have contact with the outside world. A crank-equipped radio, such as the Midland ER310 weather alert radio, will enable you to listen to emergency broadcasts. Take a fully charged cell phone (although it might not work), along with a pair of portable, two-way radios to enable you to contact authorities. The Midland GXT1050 is great, because this radio has a 36-mile range and can pick up 50 channels. • First Aid Kit: It is likely there will be a great deal of trauma associated with a nuclear strike. For that reason, before you head into your basement, grab everything from your medicine cabinet. Concentrate on prescriptions, bandages, antibiotics and pain-killers. • Duct Tape: If everything else is complete—or while others are collecting food, water and first aid items—take some time to block all windows and doors. Use duct tape to seal any opening you can find.

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Is all of this protection—as good as it is—a guarantee something won’t get through? Of course not. And that is why all of us must pay attention to the emergency warnings, even if they do make mistakes every now and again. North Korea’s Hwasong-14 ICBM is capable of reaching Alaska, Guam and Hawaii (and some say the U.S. mainland is also within the range of this missile). This is a land-based missile, and that is what we are talking about now. However, we also have to consider those other missiles that are

STAY IN PLACE

‹ These Belarusian soldiers are using a Geiger counter to monitor radiation levels in a town almost 19 miles outside the exclusion zone around the Chernobyl nuclear disaster site. This disaster occurred in 1986, and an exclusion zone of about 1,600 square miles is still enforced.

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THOSE WITH NUCLEAR WEAPONS Officially, per the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, as of 2015, there are nine nations that have nuclear weapons. Those nine are the United States, Russia, China, the United Kingdom, France, India, Pakistan, Israel and North Korea. Of the nine, five countries—China, Russia, the United States, France and the United Kingdom—deploy nuclear weapons to other countries. Because of this massive amount of deployment, you can never be sure from where a strike might be coming. You’ll notice that this list doesn’t include any rogue nations or organizations that might be working on nuclear weapons on their own without reporting them to any policing agency.

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that this is more than triple what is normally recommended for most emergencies. If you are home, stay there. If not, find a strong building to take shelter in. If there is a basement, get in it. Close all windows, doors and other openings to the outside, and seek shelter in an interior room (in fact, Fox News interviewed a couple of tourists in Kona, on the Big Island, who said hotel staff told them to shelter in their hotel room).

WHETHER WE LIKE IT OR NOT, THE THREAT OF BEING HIT BY AN ICBM IS REAL. IT IS JUST AS REAL AS THE THREAT OF HURRICANES, EARTHQUAKES AND OTHER NATURAL DISASTERS. © GETTY IMAGES

on the numerous warships and submarines sailing the oceans. Experts say that a Hwasong-14, from launch in North Korea to impact in Hawaii, would take about 20 minutes. To reach Alaska and Guam would take less time. It is estimated that it would take fewer than five minutes for radar systems in South Korea, Japan and from our naval ships to pick up the missile and detect where it is going. This leaves about 15 minutes to prepare you for impact ... that is not a great deal of time. The one thing that most state agencies are pushing is “Get inside, stay inside and stay tuned.” Seeking cover inside a building is the best thing you can do, because the greatest immediate danger is from the fallout, whether from a nuclear or conventional weapon. The next priority is to have a means of staying in contact with the outside world (for example, a portable radio to listen for emergency broadcasts, along with a fully charged cell phone). More than likely, you will not be able to reach your specially constructed survival bunker in the woods in that scant 15-minute time frame that you have. You are not going to have time to pack things and run. You need to be prepared to shelter in place (see the sidebar on page 17). Basically, officials recommend that you try to gather at least 14 days’-worth of supplies to see you through this type of emergency. Note

› After a nuclear, biological or chemical attack, everyone will need to discard contaminated clothing and go through a decontamination protocol to reduce their chances of getting radiation sickness.

› Drills, such as this one in Los Angles, prepare first responders for the possible aftermath of attacks involving radioactive materials.

Out here is where I thrive.

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Kevin Beasley

camillusknives.com/asg

Canada in the Rough

Expertly designed for all of my outdoor adventures, Camillus knives are titanium bonded and built to perform. No matter the challenge, I consider it conquered.

© GETTY IMAGES

YES, SOMETIMES MISTAKES ARE MADE, BUT I WOULD RATHER LISTEN TO THEM AND HAVE THEM BE WRONG ABOUT A WARNING THAN NOT LISTEN TO THEM AND HAVE THEM BE RIGHT. ‹ After an attack, everyone should expect heightened security for the foreseeable future.

‹ Below, right: A good water filtration system, such as this Sawyer S3, should always be on hand. It can be especially useful after a nuclear attack.

‹ Still an industrial center, Yekaterinburg today is a busy city of 1.4 million residents, making it the fourth largest city in Russia.

Your car is not a safe alternative. If you are driving, pull over and follow the steps above. If you are prepared, you should have some supplies stockpiled for emergencies. As you head for shelter, collect as much extra food and water as you can from your kitchen. Don’t run to, or stop at, the store on you way to shelter. There is no time for that! You must get to shelter and be prepared to stay there for an indeterminate period of time. It could be hours or it could be days … maybe even weeks. Make sure you monitor the emergency broadcasts for the all-clear sign or other updates. Whether we like it or not, the threat of being hit by an ICBM is real. It is just as real as the threat

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of hurricanes, earthquakes and other natural disasters. Consequently, it is very important to heed the warnings disseminated by those who are there to protect us. Yes, sometimes mistakes are made, but I would rather listen to them and have them be wrong about a warning than not listen to them and have them be right.

‹ Above, left: Assuming you’re not too close to the fallout zone, solar panels such as these can help keep your gear charged during an emergency.

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BUDGETFRIENDLY BLADES PUTTING THE STEEL WILL TENET F30 AND DRUID 260 KNIVES THROUGH THEIR PACES TEXT AND PHOTOS BY JIM COBB

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I Tenet F30 Specifications • Steel: D2 • Handle: G10 • Overall length: 7.87 inches • Blade length: 3.39 inches • Folded length: 4.0 inches • Weight: 4.38 ounces

MSRP: $54.99

n 2012, Sport Manufacturing Group created a tactical knife division called Steel Will. Over the last six years, this company has developed a reputation for innovative designs, excellent workmanship and affordability. It does have several high-end knives in its lineup, but many of its blades are within reach for those with limited budgets. The Tenet F30 and the Druid 260 are both shining examples of affordable, high-quality blades.

TENET F30 FOLDER The Tenet is a classically styled tactical folder. It has all the usual accoutrements: flipper opener, liner lock, pocket clip, black-coated blade. It is in the execution of those elements that the Tenet shines. At a little more than 4 ounces, the Tenet isn't a lightweight knife. It isn't a boat anchor that's going to weigh you down, either. There's just enough heft to indicate the knife is ready for serious work. The G10 handle is comfortable, despite its angular design. There is just enough texturing to give you a good grip without being uncomfortable. As with any knife that has a pocket clip, you know it’s there while you're holding the Tenet, but it never creates discomfort or hot spots during use. The pocket clip is removable via two small screws, but it is not reversible. It is set up to sit in the right-hand pocket with the blade pivot pointed down (tip-up carry). The Tenet has a flipper-style opener, which is all the rage these days. The action was just slightly stiff right out of the box, but it did loosen up after a little use. I did find that opening it was the fastest when I pressed just the very tip of the flipper. I have seen a report or two of Tenet blades that weren't quite centered when folded into the handle. That is not the case with mine. If the blade on this one is off, it is by such a small amount that it is not discernible by the naked eye. The D2 steel blade was extremely sharp right out of the box and required no touching up prior to evaluating.

OVER THE LAST SIX YEARS, [STEEL WILL] HAS DEVELOPED A REPUTATION FOR INNOVATIVE DESIGNS, EXCELLENT WORKMANSHIP AND AFFORDABILITY. ‹ Above, left: The flipper on the Steel Will Tenet F30 provides good leverage and makes a nice guard in combination with the angular choil.

Druid 260 Specifications • Steel: 9Cr18MoV • Handle: Molded TPE • Overall length: 11.0 inches • Blade length: 5.5 inches • Blade thickness: 0.16 inch • Weight: 6.7 ounces • Sheath: Leather

MSRP: $89.99 24

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‹ Far left: The Steel Will Druid 260 has a classic and functional shape, and the grip texture instills confidence with every cut. .

THE TENET HAS A FLIPPER-STYLE OPENER, WHICH IS ALL THE RAGE THESE DAYS. THE ACTION WAS JUST SLIGHTLY STIFF RIGHT OUT OF THE BOX, BUT IT DID LOOSEN UP AFTER A LITTLE USE. I DID FIND THAT OPENING IT WAS THE FASTEST WHEN I PRESSED JUST THE VERY TIP OF THE FLIPPER. The Tenet has a bit of jimping on the spine, but it is so faint, you barely know it’s there. The high, flat grind is great for slicing. Open or closed, there is absolutely no wiggle to the blade. The liner lock snaps into place without trouble and really holds the blade perfectly. The Tenet has a distinctive tactical appearance, yet it won't cause anyone's blood pressure to skyrocket when it is used to open boxes at work. The current retail price for the Tenet on the Steel Will website is $54.99 (www.SteelWillKnives.com). EVALUATION We decided to go with three basic tests to evaluate both the Tenet and the Druid. Rope Push Cut. A push cut is what is normally used when cutting fruit and vegetables, as well as carving. Even batoning utilizes the push cut, although that use would be limited with a folding knife. I had a length of ¾-inch rope bouncing around in the shop and volunteered it for use in testing. The Tenet was used to make several push cuts, and it performed very well. Only the tiniest bit of rocking was necessary to finish each cut. The blade was moved for each cut in order to use most of the blade length by the end of the testing, rather than testing the same spot on the blade multiple times. Score: 9 out of 10 Leather Slicing. Most cuts with a knife are made, of course, by pulling the knife edge across the material. We use this motion when slicing meat and other materials. ‹ Above: As with most flipper-equipped folders, the Tenet's flipper forms a guard when the blade is open.

‹ Left: While very angular in design, the Tenet is quite comfortable to use.

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THE TENET WENT THROUGH THE LEATHER LIKE A HOT KNIFE THROUGH BUTTER. THERE WAS NO HESITATION, NO DRAGGING OR PULLING; JUST SMOOTH SLICES EACH AND EVERY TIME. Because I didn't have any dead animals handy, I pulled out a few pieces of scrap leather that were left over from various projects. The Tenet went through the leather like a hot knife through butter. There was no hesitation, no dragging or pulling; just smooth slices each and every time. Even with the leather doubled up, the Tenet performed exceptionally well. Score: 10 out of 10 Cardboard Cuts. Cutting corrugated cardboard is actually a pretty rough test on a knife. The glue used in corrugated cardboard dries very hard. In addition, the cardboard usually has a lot of contaminants in it, making it a very abrasive material to cut. The Tenet was thrust through a piece of cardboard and then pulled down to cut through the material. We did this several times, making both short and long cuts. Never

‹ The Tenet made short work of ¾-inchthick rope.

‹ The Tenet breezed through leather scraps without snagging.

‹ The Tenet performed beautifully on corrugated cardboard—a material that can quickly dull lesser blades.

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‹ The Druid is a true all-around, user-friendly blade.

‹ Below: From tip to butt, the Druid is 11 inches of solid utilitarian craftsmanship.

THE SATIN FINISH ON THE BLADE MAKES FOR A VERY HANDSOME KNIFE. THE STEEL IS 9Cr18MoV, A CHINESE ALLOY THAT PERFORMS FAIRLY SIMILARLY TO 440C STAINLESS STEEL. IT IS CORROSION-RESISTANT AND HOLDS AN EDGE PRETTY WELL. once did the Tenet falter, drag or “complain.” Score: 10 out of 10 DRUID 260 FIXED BLADE The Druid 260 is a new addition to the Steel Will collection. The company offers several variations of the Druid, which differ primarily by size. The Druid is designed to be a universal outdoor knife, suitable for bushcraft and other similar pursuits. The Druid 260 is a large knife: 11 inches in total length. It weighs in just shy of 7 ounces, which I felt was surprisingly light, given the overall size of the knife. The satin finish on the blade makes for a very handsome knife. The steel is 9Cr18MoV, a Chinese alloy that performs fairly similarly to 440C stainless steel. It is corrosion-resistant and holds an edge pretty well. Some users report that it is slightly easier to sharpen than 440C; but that's subjective, rather than an absolute fact. I have fairly large hands, and the Druid’s handle fills my paw quite well. The handle is made of molded TPE, a polymer material that is formed around the tang. It is tough, with just the slightest give. The deep texturing on the handle provides a solid grip, even if wet. Unlike scales or slabs, the handle cannot be removed. Nevertheless, there's no way water or debris is going to get inside the handle. The tang extends beyond the handle just slightly, forming a rounded glass-breaker or hammer surface. There is also a lanyard hole at the butt end, allowing the user an easy place to add a little cordage to the knife. The handle has a slight palm swell type of curve along the back. This makes the knife comfortable to hold for long periods of time. A well-made leather pouch sheath is included with the Druid 260. The retail price is currently

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‹ The Druid pushed through a ¾-inch-diameter rope without pause or drag.

‹ Scrap leather posed no trouble at all for the Druid 260.

AS WITH THE OTHER TESTS, THE DRUID PERFORMED ADMIRABLY WHEN CUTTING THROUGH CORRUGATED CARDBOARD. WE MIGHT AS WELL HAVE BEEN USING WET RICE PAPER FOR ALL THE DIFFICULTY THE KNIFE HAD CUTTING THROUGH THE MATERIAL. the Druid performed admirably when cutting through corrugated cardboard. We might as well have been using wet rice paper for all the difficulty the knife had cutting through the material. With long cuts, we ran out of cardboard (roughly 24 inches) before the knife could hesitate or falter. Score: 10 out of 10

‹ Below: Long and short cuts through cardboard were simple with the Steel Will Druid 260.

$89.99, which is far below many other knives in this category. EVALUATION The same tests we used on the Tenet were repeated with the Druid. Rope Push Cut. The entire blade was used through the course of making several push cuts through the rope. Each and every time, the blade edge slid through the rope without hesitation. Most of the cuts were clean, but a couple required slight rocking of the blade or pulling on the rope to complete the cut. Score: 9 out of 10 Leather Slicing. The Druid sliced cleanly through two, and even three, layers of leather every time. We started using the belly at the front of the blade and gradually worked our way down the blade with each slice. There were no drags or pulls; just excellent cuts each time. Score: 10 out of 10 Cardboard Cuts. As with the other tests,

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KEEP AN EYE ON STEEL WILL’S KNIVES The Tenet F 30 and the Druid 260 are both excellent options for a wide range of common knife uses, including around the house, as well as out in the field. Both are very affordable— without sacrificing quality.

The Tenet did require a little breaking in before the flipper would perform acceptably. However, even after several hours of use, it didn't have quite the snap I would have liked. It opened just fine, but it didn't fly into place like a few of my other flipper-style knives. I'd love to see other color options become available for the Tenet. While green and black are great tactical colors, bright-blue or orange are far easier to spot if you drop the knife accidentally. At under $60, the Tenet F30 is a great performer made with quality components. The Druid 260 is the third longest of the 16 Druid models currently available from Steel Will. (Those other models include a couple of folders—all the way up to the massive Druid 230 with a 14.5-inch overall length.) The 260 reviewed here is a great general-use knife, suitable for any outdoor chore. It lacks a true 90-degree spine. Therefore, it won't strike sparks with a ferrocerium rod, which is a drawback. This is mitigated easily enough by ensuring you have a striker attached to your ferro rod, as many of us do as a matter

of routine. Still, I can't imagine it would add that much to the manufacturing process to grind out a spine that will scrape sparks. With a sub-$90 retail price, the Druid 260 packs a lot of quality into an affordable knife. Overall, Steel Will continues to be a manufacturer to watch. Its internal designers know what they're doing, and they continue to bring interesting models to the marketplace.

‹ Above: The Tenet F30 and Druid 260 make a great team for working around the house, as well as out in the field.

‹ Left: With the Tenet in your pocket and the Druid 260 on your hip, you’ll be ready for anything.

S O U R C E Sport Manufacturing Group, Inc. (877) 969-0909 www.SteelWillKnives.com

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CAMOUFLAGE AND OTHER TRICKS THAT DEFEAT EACH OF THE LONG-RANGE SENSES

© GETTY IMAGES

BY LARRY SCHWARTZ

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‹ Some people believe that mixing camo patterns is useful because it further disrupts the wearer’s outline.

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› Equipment—especially large pieces of equipment or a vehicle—can be painted in a camouflage pattern. However, camo netting works even better, because it adds a different texture and shadows to help provide the illusion that all camouflage tries to complete. (Photo: www.Wikimedia.org)

O

n a cold November morning in 2016, I sat quietly on a metal folding chair, recurve in my lap, with a broadhead-tipped arrow nocked on the bowstring. I was in a friend’s backyard doing some suburban bowhunting. Forty-five minutes after I sat down, a doe and her two fawns quietly entered the backyard, looking for the ripe fruit that had fallen from the persimmon trees in the corner of the yard. She and the fawns browsed slowly toward me, picking at the grass and fallen persimmons. It took about 15 minutes, but they eventually moved into the range at which I was comfortable taking a shot I knew would lead to a quick and clean harvest. The ideal camouflage setup creates the illusion that you are not there, and I had done everything right to defeat their senses. It was all perfect ... that is, until I drew my bow for the shot and the arrow slipped and tapped against the bow. That little sound was all it took for the doe’s head to snap up, her eyes looking straight at me. As my sad, but true, hunting tale shows, effective camouflage makes you invisible by addressing all the long-range senses—hearing, smell and vision. Picking just one won’t do; you need to address them all. This is especially true if you are in a hunting or a hiding situation. To get a better idea of how to create that illusion, let’s look at each sense in turn. We will save vision for last, because it has the most components to it. HEARING People use their sense of hearing all the time to keep aware of what is going on around them. If you can’t see something, the first sense to tell you about it is usually your hearing. For animals, it ranks right up there with vision as a primary sense for detecting danger. If you are going to defeat your opponent’s sense of hearing, whether it is a person or an animal, you need to keep a number of things in mind: • Watch where and how you walk. The snap of a twig in the quiet forest by a carelessly placed foot can be heard a long distance away, and it

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‹ Perhaps the best camouflage is the ghillie suit used by military snipers, scouts and hunters. Its design addresses color, shape and texture as no fixed camouflage pattern can. (Photo: www. Wikimedia.org)

indicates that something large made that sound, not a squirrel or rabbit. • Pushing your way through dense brush or other things that would rub on you or your clothing will make a sound as well. So, avoid densely grown areas, and wear soft clothing such as wool or polyester fleece that doesn’t make a scratching sound when brushed against. • Quiet fabric is a must, but quiet equipment is also important. Use tape, large rubber bands or pieces of inner tube to hold pieces of equipment (such as a rifle sling) in place to keep parts from rattling. • Of course, don’t talk. If you must, do it in a hushed whisper to someone who is right next to you. Hand signals such as those used in the military and by SWAT teams are a great way

› Near right: Mossy Oak’s Shadow Grass Blades pattern makes you look like marsh grasses and helps duck hunters blend in with their environment when in a duck blind or out on the marshes. (Photo: www.MossyOak.com) › Far right: Flecktarn has been in use by German armed forces since the 1980s. Its mix of colors and small, blob-like shapes work well in the dark forests of the European countryside and is now deployed in several environment-specific variants.

to communicate without sound. SMELL The opening scene of the 1985 movie, Commando, has a bit that I love. Star Arnold Schwarzenegger has just alerted to the presence of danger: John Matrix (Schwarzenegger): “Keep an eye out. They'll be coming. You're downwind; the air currents might tip them off.” Jackson (a Spec Ops guy): “Downwind? (He looks at Matrix as if he's crazy.) You think I could smell them coming?” John Matrix: “I did.” This brief exchange highlights the fact that we often don’t think about scents and odors when we consider situational awareness. We leave telltale signs of our presence and passing all the time with things that can be detected by an

WHEN THE DECISION WAS MADE TO USE CAMOUFLAGE FOR UNIFORMS AND EQUIPMENT, THERE WERE TWO BASIC SCHOOLS OF THOUGHT: YOU CAN TRY TO BREAK UP THE OUTLINE TO LOOK LIKE NOTHING, OR YOU CAN PRETEND YOU ARE A TREE OR A BUSH AND TRY TO LOOK LIKE SOMETHING.

‹ The movies might lead you to believe that a black ninja suit will make you invisible, but the reality is far from that. Avoid black in your camouflage color palette, because it does not appear in nature. It is too dark and will be out of place, just as white will be too light.

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MAKE THE ENVIRONMENT WORK FOR YOU If you are a Harry Potter fan, you know about the “cloak of invisibility.” It made the wearer invisible by making them look like their environment. Although technology has not come up with one of these, GhostBlind (a company in Marietta, Ohio) has created a mirror-based hunting blind that comes very close. This company’s blinds comprise a set of reflective panels you assemble in the field. These panels reflect the environment back at anyone who is looking at it, making you blend in perfectly with your surroundings. (Find out more on the company website: www.GhostBlind.com.)

animal or a person’s sense of smell. If you are going to defeat your opponent’s sense of smell, think through the following before you put yourself in a situation where camouflage is needed: • Smoke carries a long way, especially if there is a breeze blowing. It can be from your cigarette or your campfire, but it carries, and it carries with it the knowledge that someone is or has been in the area. To avoid this problem, you can quit smoking; if you can’t, try to blow your smoke down into the ground so it doesn’t carry on the breeze. • Your clothing can also give you away. Most laundry detergents and fabric softeners have some kind of scent or fragrance added. Avoid them like the plague, because they don’t help you smell like nothing. The same goes for what you clean your body with. Instead, look for products that are scent-free. Check the label and sniff the package for signs of a fragrance. • Gasoline is something that is present in our everyday lives; it has a significant scent. Avoid using it or filling your car while wearing something you want to keep scent-free. Even walking around at the gas pump will put the scent on your shoes and perhaps on your clothing as well. VISION Now for the topic you have all been waiting for—visual camouflage. The easiest way for someone or something to pick you out of your surroundings is for you to

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‹ This set of camouflage uniforms shows how the U.S. Army has adapted to the different environments in which it has had to operate over the past several decades. The lighter-green pattern shown on the right is from the Vietnam era of the 1960s and reflects the colors of the jungles there. The darker Woodland camo was used by U.S. and NATO troops in Europe and elsewhere in the 1970s and ’80s. The tan pattern is the “chocolate chip” pattern used during the Persian Gulf War in the 1990s, while the pattern on the far left is the U.S. Army’s UCP (universal camouflage pattern), developed in the 2000s as a single pattern for use in multiple environments. Unfortunately, the Army forgot that one of the basic tenets of camouflage is that nothing works well everywhere. (Photo: www.Wikimedia.org)

THE SIMPLEST FORM OF CAMOUFLAGE IS CONCEALING YOURSELF IN EARTH-TONE COLORS THAT ARE SIMILAR TO THOSE IN YOUR ENVIRONMENT.

› This picture illustrates quite well the difference between looking like something and looking like nothing. The hunter on the left, who is wearing one of Mossy Oak’s patterns, will be fine if he is next to something that looks like his camouflage. But he will be a brown blob if walking in the open or against a lighter background. The shape of the hunter on the right in KUIU’s Vias pattern will be broken up by the contrasting mix of light and dark colors.

… EFFECTIVE CAMOUFLAGE MAKES YOU INVISIBLE BY ADDRESSING ALL THE LONG-RANGE SENSES—HEARING, SMELL AND VISION. ‹ Left: The United States Marine Corps' MARPAT pattern can even be adapted for a snowy environment, as shown here in use by this sniper team in the mountains. (Photo: www. Wikimedia.org)

‹ Below: Don’t walk or stand anywhere that enhances your outline—as these soldiers are doing. The rising sun at dawn causes them to stand out against the much-lighter background. The same thing can happen if you walk along the top of a ridgeline or anyplace that is higher than the surrounding area. (Photo: www.Media. Defense.gov)

move. As sharp as any set of eyes is, the thing both predator and prey key on is movement. They notice movement before they notice shape or color. After movement, the next thing people, animals, reptiles, birds and even fish key on is something that looks out of place. This is where camouflaging your body and equipment comes into play. THE SIMPLEST AND EARLIEST FORMS OF CAMOUFLAGE The simplest form of camouflage is concealing yourself in earth-tone colors that are similar to those in your environment. American irregular troops, Rogers’ Rangers, for instance, wore the same browns, tans, greens and grays they wore when hunting to keep themselves hidden from British troops during the French and Indian War. Although it took close to a century for them to adopt the lesson, the British army, starting around 1850, began to use khaki-colored uniforms in India to help blend in with the colors of the environment. This continued with the Brits’ campaigns in Africa. By the end of the 1800s, the entire British army was wearing khaki as the field uniform during campaigns. World Wars I and II and even Korea and Vietnam saw the use of earth-tone-colored uniforms on both sides of the battlefield. It wasn’t until the late 1970s and ’80s that the major militaries of the world began to issue a camouflaged uniform as their standard field uniform. When the decision was made to use camouflage for uniforms and equipment, there were two basic schools of thought: You can try to break up the outline to look like nothing, or you can pretend you are a tree or a bush and try to look like something. Let’s look at how each approach works. LOOKING LIKE SOMETHING Created in the late 1970s, TreBark was the first camo pattern designed to look like “something.” Jim Crumley, the inventor of the pattern, used the grays and browns of the U.S. eastern woodlands as his color palette and added them to an abstract pattern based on the bark of a pine tree. It was

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‹ Near left: While this pattern from Mossy Oak is designed to look like a tree trunk with leaves on it, the blending of light and dark colors gives it the characteristics of both the “look like something” and “look like nothing” schools of thought. (Photo: www. Defense.gov)

‹ Above, left: Predator Camo's camouflage is probably one of the best outline-breaking patterns available. It exemplifies the three tenets of 1) matching the colors of your environment; 2) using irregular shapes to break up the form; and, above all, 3) having a light background as the majority of the pattern. (Photo: www. PredatorCamo.com)

THE IDEAL CAMOUFLAGE SETUP CREATES THE ILLUSION THAT YOU ARE NOT THERE … designed for hunters rather than soldiers—and it was a hit! After the success of TreBark, other hunting entrepreneurs came out with new patterns. There are literally dozens of companies now marketing their own “look-like-something” patterns that are tailored to specific environments or seasons. The most popular and well-known are Realtree and Mossy Oak. Both started out with artwork that looked like a drawing of a tree or bush. About a decade ago, with Realtree in the lead, manufacturers started making highly detailed photorealistic patterns that looked like an actual leafy tree trunk rather than a drawing of a leafy tree trunk. The strength of this type of camouflage shows best when you are sitting still, leaning up against what you are trying to look like. You blend into your immediate background, which makes it hard to

‹ Effective camouflage does not have to be a pattern; the use of muted earth tones in clothing and equipment works extremely well, especially when you are moving slowly or standing still in light cover.

› Shark conservationist Sijmon de Waal's photo of a diver with a juvenile whale shark

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detect you or your equipment from the environment. There are patterns available to make you look like an oak tree, pine tree, marsh grasses or pretty much any type of flora you could find where you operate. This strength is also its weakness: If you are not standing in front of what you are mimicking, you look like a large, brownish-gray blob, especially if you are moving across an open field or against a background with a different color palette. LOOKING LIKE NOTHING Camouflage patterns designed to break up your outline, often called “disruptive patterns,” were first seen in World War II and Korea with the German dotted pattern and the Marine Corps’ blotchy tan, green and brown camo pattern. But, it wasn’t until the 1980s that modern armies started fielding camouflage uniforms and equipment to all personnel. And they each used some kind of blotchy, disruptive pattern. Their mix of the right colors and shades, combined with the different shapes, made them effective. The U.S. Army’s woodland pattern is still used in nations all across the globe. It is not only effective in its green, marsh tan, black and brown form for forest and woodlands; by changing the color palette to tans and browns, it is also used in arid habitats. In addition, a white-and-gray palette is effective in snow-covered and urban terrains. It took the hunting community to push the envelope with patterns that used larger shapes to better break up the hunter’s outline. Patterns such as All Season All Terrain (ASAT) and Predator Camo's Fall Brown started to appear, also in the 1980s, to compete with Realtree and Mossy Oak. Hunters who didn’t hunt by sitting in one place took to them quickly. This kind of camouflage has two basic design characteristics. First, it has a light background

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‹ To avoid looking like a blob of the same pattern from a distance, you can mix camouflage patterns to further break up your silhouette and to better match your environment. The U.S. Army did this in Iraq and Afghanistan by pairing woodland body armor vests with desert camouflage clothing.

with medium to dark elements overlaid on it. The light background makes it seem as if you are looking past the darker elements that appear to be in the foreground. This gives the pattern an illusion of depth. Second is the use of high contrast in colors in a variety of abstract shapes. This is very effective in breaking up your outline—you don’t look like a human shape, and you don’t look like a large blob of brown, green or gray. Also, the larger the shapes, the better your outline is broken up. That is why patterns such as the more-recent Vias from KUIU are so effective in a wide range of terrains. Looking like “nothing” works best in two situations. First, when you are moving in the open with, for example, a forest or a hillside rising up behind you. The ability to break up your outline and blend in with the colors of your environment lets you look like an unstructured shape that is part of the landscape. The second scenario is when you are moving or stationary with something in front of you and behind you. The lighter background simulates the foreground and background that is seen in the rest of the environment. So, as you can see, this approach certainly has its advantages. Nevertheless, it also has a disadvantage: If you are sitting still in front of something, you will not look like it and might even stand out. So, if you need to be stationary, your best bet is to have something in front of you, even if it is just some brush between you and what might see you. Another thing to remember is that the color black is not your friend. You will find dark grays, dark browns and dark greens in nature, but you will not find black. It might work for ninjas in B movies, but it doesn’t help in the real world. If you are going to defeat your opponent’s sense of vision, keep these tips in mind: • Movement is the easiest way to let someone see you. It can be as little as moving your head or hands while standing still. So, if you are stationary, don’t move your head or arms quickly. If you need to, do it slowly and smoothly. Also avoid skylining yourself on ridges, and try to stay concealed in wooded areas or by using shadows, ravines or other terrain features that hide your movements. • Pick the right approach to camouflage to fit your needs: Either look like your surroundings or break up your outline. • Select colors and textures of your clothing and equipment to match those in your environment. • Use texture when possible and when it makes sense. One lesson to learn and remember is that there is no one perfect pattern or color scheme. You need to adapt your camouflage strategy and color combinations to what you will be doing and where you will be doing it.

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DEATH FROM WITHIN HOW A BIOTOXIN FROM A FACTORY THAT "DIDN’T EXIST" KILLED SCORES OF PEOPLE BY AL J. VENTER

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n April 1979, scores of people near the Soviet city of Sverdlovsk fell ill to an unknown ailment. Within weeks, the death toll had reached between 66 and more than 100. (The actual number is unknown because the hospital and other records were destroyed in a cover-up.) The official government explanation was that those who fell sick had eaten tainted meat ... including the several vegetarians who perished. Another odd fact is that the victims were located in an area about 30 miles long that ran in a straight line from a secret factory along the same direction as the prevailing winds that day. By one account, these people succumbed to the inadvertent release of as

little as one gram of the anthrax spores being manufactured inside the facility. Considered the biggest modern exposure to anthrax produced for biological warfare (BW), the Sverdlovsk disaster provides a frightening lesson on the topic of bioweapons. In the words of one of the survivors, “The event was cataclysmic.” It wasn’t until more than a decade later that Moscow permitted access to a small group of Western academics to investigate the catastrophe—and then only under duress. This event is of supreme importance to the West, because a short while before, Moscow had agreed to terminate BW work. Apparently, this never happened; we now know

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an acute lapse in Soviet security resulted in a discharge of anthrax spores into the atmosphere after a still-unexplained accident at a military BW facility. SHROUDED IN SECRECY What is worrying is that the amount of anthrax aerosol discharged was miniscule. Also, the disease was disseminated by a steady wind, randomly infecting people and livestock for 30 miles. The first victim died after four days; the last, more than six weeks later. Under wraps, characteristic of Moscow, even today under Putin, the Soviets mustered a huge security force to counter the impact in this city of 1.2 million people that lies just east of the Ural Mountains. Secrecy was so effective that a visiting American academic, Professor Don Ellis of Northwestern University, who was in Sverdlovsk with his wife and children as an exchange visitor from the U.S. National Academy of Sciences (and who could speak Russian), was never aware of the drama as it unfolded around him. By the time it was over, approximately 100 people are known to have been infected.

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‹ Above: This illustration shows the anthrax bacteria arranged in chains. ‹ Below: A scientist analyzes a blood sample for anthrax. (Photo: Getty Images)

This is what we know today: First, there were 79 civilian cases. Military figures were never released, because the event took place at a secret military biowarfare research establishment (so there were almost certainly significantly more cases). Second, all civilian casualties were downwind of the base, and third, some victims were infected with multiple strains of anthrax. It is interesting that long after Professor Ellis had returned home, the CIA was oblivious to the fact that he had spent months in this most sensitive Soviet region. In retrospect,

THEN, AS NOW, ANY PRODUCTION OR DEVELOPMENT OF BIOLOGICAL WEAPONS WOULD BE A VIOLATION OF THE BIOLOGICAL WEAPONS CONVENTION OF 1972, A TREATY TO WHICH BOTH THE UNITED STATES AND RUSSIA ARE PARTIES—AS WAS THE SOVIET UNION BEFORE THE BREAKUP. because of a lack of interplay between government departments, the West was deprived of what might have been a breakthrough intelligence opportunity.

‹This information sheet shows some of the key facts to know about the potential dangers associated with exposure to, and infection by, anthrax.

A DIFFICULT INVESTIGATION FROM A DISTANCE From an historical perspective, much has been learned from the incident, due to the work of another American, Professor Matthew Meselson, who has devoted a good part of his professional career to trying to piece together exactly what happened. When I visited his office, he told me that should the disease ever be used as an instrument of terror, Sverdlovsk might offer a valuable insight into the consequences. The consensus is that an anthrax epidemic that is not countered by the most aggressive medical countermeasures is likely to result in horrendous consequences. Meselson, former head of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at Harvard University, had been interested in Sverdlovsk from the start. He read the first reports (attributed to an anonymous source) in Possev, a Russian-language magazine based in Frankfurt, in January 1980. Reconstructing the event, Possev stated that the anthrax outbreak was attributed to a cloud of bacteria produced by an explosion: “The first victims were hospitalized two days later and died not very long afterwards.” West Germany's Bild Zeitung later published a

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IN LIGHT OF WHAT FOLLOWED, IT IS IMPORTANT TO UNDERSTAND THAT THE DYNAMICS OF THE SVERDLOVSK DISCLOSURES WERE LARGELY POLITICAL. A LOT OF PEOPLE HAD DIED IN AN UNEXPLAINED ACCIDENT NEAR A SECRET MILITARY INSTALLATION ... similar account: “A Western intelligence agency had determined that the alleged explosion had occurred in a factory for bacteriological bombs.” Then, as now, any production or development of biological weapons would be a violation of the Biological Weapons Convention of 1972, a treaty to which both the United States and Russia are parties—as was the Soviet Union before the breakup. In a hasty attempt at whitewash, the Soviets produced a sketchy report by two eminent Moscow physicians in the journal, Microbiology, Epidemiology and Immunology, in May 1980. It declared that there had been an outbreak of anthrax among farm animals and that the people infected succumbed because they had eaten contaminated meat. Meanwhile, in early 1980, Meselson was invited by the CIA to become an outside consultant in a bid to establish the truth. He worked closely at Langley with the late Julian Hoptmann, the CIA’s longtime biological weapons analyst. Although not yet able to prove it, the CIA perception was that everything pointed to an airborne outbreak ... but the professor was not convinced. Shortly afterward, Meselson contacted his cousin, Martin Kaplan, secretary general of the Pugwash Conferences on Science and International Affairs in Geneva. This led to a series of unsuccessful attempts to obtain Soviet permission to bring independent scientists to Sverdlovsk to investigate. Then, in 1986, he was invited to go to Moscow to meet with doctors who had been in Sverdlovsk at the time of the epidemic (as well as Dr. P.N. Burgasov, deputy minister of Health in the Soviet government). What resulted from three days of meetings in Moscow was a lopsided trade-off—a tour of

‹ Above: This child has an anthrax infection on his neck.

› Above: This lesion was caused by an anthrax infection.

‹ Left: Working with anthrax and other biological warfare agents requires great attention to safety and security. As we have seen, any error can be fatal to those who are around these agents. (Photo: Getty Images)

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American academic institutions by a group of Soviet scientists who were set on elaborating fake details surrounding the original account (that is, that infected animals had been the cause). And because their reasoning was both plausible and consistent under fairly rigorous cross-questioning by just about every security agency in the land, nobody was able to argue convincingly otherwise. There were some persistent gaps, including the fact that the Americans were aware that Sverdlovsk (as well as Zagorsk and Aralsk) had been identified by satellite imagery as BW installations. Photos had exposed their distinctive chimneys and refrigeration equipment. So, Meselson needed to know more. Again, he asked to be allowed to visit Sverdlovsk; another rebuff followed. Then came the collapse of the Soviet Union—and the Russian people, themselves, started to ask questions. RESTITUTION FOR VICTIMS In light of what followed, it is important to understand that the dynamics of the Sverdlovsk disclosures were largely political. A lot of people had died in an unexplained accident near a secret military installation; many had been bread-winners. In some cases, there was severe economic hardship. If anyone were to blame in Russia's newfound “open” society, the cry from the bereaved was that someone had to be made responsible. Sverdlovsk's Peoples' Deputy L.P. Mishustina (then a member of the Supreme Soviet) shot off a letter to Boris Yeltsin stating that his government needed to make good, she declared. Families of those who died wanted to know if the anthrax outbreak was the result of government activity that had gone wrong. If so, surely they were entitled to extra pensions. It should be noted that during the time of the disaster, Yeltsin was the party chief (roughly equivalent to a governor) of the province in which Sverdlovsk was located. For his part, Yeltsin could hardly ignore Mishustina. Sverdlovsk—always a closed city to foreigners in an oblast (administrative district) the size of France—was an important political and economic entity. It had become the focus of a large number of defense-related industries and educational establishments. More pertinent, it was one of the towns Yeltsin had lived in as a youth. As a result of Mishustina's initiative, Yeltsin had a law passed granting more money to those who had lost family. He also instructed that Sverdlovsk's story be revealed in full. By

then, the city (which had been renamed after the commissar who had murdered the Romanovs in 1917) had reverted to its original name, Yekaterinburg. AMERICAN RESEARCHERS VISIT THE SITE State Counselor for Ecology and Health Alexei Yablokov was tasked by Yeltsin to expose this horrific can of worms. Fortuitously, this was the same man Professor Meselson had hosted a few years before on a visit to the U.S. Army's biological defense center at Fort Detrick, Maryland. Once details had appeared in Moscow's Literaturnaya Gazeta in 1991, Meselson was able write to his acquaintance and raise the issue once more. On that basis, Yablokov granted Meselson permission to visit Yekaterinburg with a research team of his choice. The team centered its work on a succession of interviews with families and friends over a two-year period. Although most of the files relating to the incident had been removed by the KGB, its work had been sloppy, and there was much left for the Americans to go through. To begin with, Meselson obtained a list of all the victims just as they had been submitted in

‹ This U.S. Army soldier is shown preparing for an exercise simulating a situation in which he will be exposed to anthrax or a similar biological weapon.

‹ Below: While anthrax commonly comes up as a suspected tool of terrorists, its history as a weapon of war between "civilized" nations is older. (Photo: Getty Images)

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‹ Cipro (Ciprofloxacin) and Doxycylin (a form of Tetracyclin) are both effective antibiotics for the treatment of anthrax infections. If they are taken as soon as possible after exposure, the chances of getting sick and dying are decreased.

THERE WERE SOME PERSISTENT GAPS, INCLUDING THE FACT THAT THE AMERICANS WERE AWARE THAT SVERDLOVSK (AS WELL AS ZAGORSK AND ARALSK) HAD BEEN IDENTIFIED BY SATELLITE IMAGERY AS BW INSTALLATIONS. PHOTOS HAD EXPOSED THEIR DISTINCTIVE CHIMNEYS AND REFRIGERATION EQUIPMENT. ‹ A researcher at Sandia National Laboratories compares a dish with untreated anthrax on the left and one with anthrax that was treated with a decontamination formula on the right.

‹ Anthrax (Bacillus anthracis) is shown being grown in this petri dish in a research laboratory.

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the pension claim. This showed where they lived in 1979, as well as their dates of birth and death. Over the two-year period, it was possible to do the rounds of the homes of most of the families. With one exception, every family cooperated in full. The principal findings and conclusions of Professor Meselson and his team include the following: • The workplaces and other daytime locations of the victims were determined mainly from family interviews. These locations clustered along a straight line extending southward from a military microbiology facility known as Compound 19 (located in the southern part of the city) to the southern city limit. • According to Soviet veterinary records, and corroborated by interviews with villagers, sheep and cows died of anthrax in six villages south of the city out to a distance of 30 miles. All these settlements lie in a straight line that is an extension of the path along which the human victims were mapped. • According to meteorological records obtained by Meselson for Sverdlovsk's Koltsovo Airport, during most of the day, Monday, April 2, there was a steady north-northwest breeze. The first cases of human and animal anthrax appeared two to three days afterward. • Pathoanatomical evidence is consistent with expectations for inhalation anthrax. The evidence was obtained and later published in Russian by two Sverdlovsk pathologists. These observations constitute unusually rigorous proof that the Sverdlovsk anthrax outbreak was caused by an aerosol discharged from a military installation and not, as claimed initially, from contaminated meat (remember, some of the victims were vegetarians). Although Boris Yeltsin stated to the press in 1992 that it was the result of military activity, the Russian government has provided no further information, nor have Western observers ever been allowed into Compound 19. Some further observations and conclusions reached by Meselson are also significant: • Using data from studies of experimental inhalation anthrax in non-human primates, Meselson calculated that the amount of

CONSIDERED THE BIGGEST MODERN EXPOSURE TO ANTHRAX PRODUCED FOR BIOLOGICAL WARFARE (BW), THE SVERDLOVSK DISASTER PROVIDES A FRIGHTENING LESSON ON THE TOPIC OF BIOWEAPONS.

anthrax spores in the aerosol that was discharged could have been as little as several thousandths of a gram and probably less than 1 gram. • Almost half of those who succumbed to the disease—29 of 66—were dead within the first 10 days of the outbreak. The last victim showed signs of onset on day 42. He died four days later. • The youngest victim was a 24-year-old elementary school teacher who contracted the disease on the eighth day after the fateful release. She died after 72 hours. • Not a single child, adolescent, teenager or young adult was afflicted, even though it has been established that there were many about that day. (Curiously, according to Meselson, this ties in with some of the anthrax outbreaks earlier this century. The young appear to be resistant to inhalation anthrax.) • The bodies of the victims were covered in lime and quickly buried in an area separate from the rest in Sverdlovsk's main cemetery. While speculation over the events and effects of this event continue—and will likely never be satisfied—there are some simple lessons to be learned from this historic event. Perhaps the most disconcerting is that treaties and bans on the development and use of BW weapons are not worth the paper they’re printed on. As we’ve seen in this example and others, there is little reason to expect parties to come to an agreement to limit or end their work on

these horrific weapons. The anthrax strain that was released from the clandestine factory was not enhanced to reduce the effects of existing treatments. The efficiency of the toxin was remarkable. However, newer strains that have been specifically developed for use as weapons are expected to be even more lethal. We cannot depend on protection from governments to protect us from this insidious threat. In fact, if a determined adversary is intent on using this weapon, there is little we can do to protect ourselves. Awareness of the menace, vigilance and decisive action after we suspect exposure are our primary defenses.

‹ Still an industrial center, Yekaterinburg today is a busy city of 1.4 million residents, making it the fourth largest city in Russia.

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THE PREPPING PARADOX

ARE SURVIVAL PREPARATIONS RELEVANT TODAY? BY MICHAEL D’ANGONA

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‹ At present, there is little fear from widespread “end-of-theworld” predictions.

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Y

2K has long passed, the Maya calendar’s predictions have once again been shown to be incredibly inaccurate, and the threat of a full-on foreign invasion of American soil is far from anyone’s mind. All of this brings up a perplexing question: Is survival preparation still needed today? Although it appears to be a simple question, the answer is not so obvious to everyone. The prepping activities of over a half-decade ago were not the same as they are today. But what changed, and why? The vast sea of information that many have used to learn about survival logically also pushes others in that direction through fear and repeated warnings of impending doom; and what we’re exposed to is not always accurate. Because of that, it’s time to update the state of survival—but more importantly, we need to understand how the situation affects you and your family’s well-being. IT WAS “IN” TO PREP Remember seeing nearly everyone walking

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© GETTY IMAGES

around with a survival bracelet secured around their wrists? From colorful patterns to a jet-black color that matched their leather jackets, these bracelets were worn by a great number of people just a few years back. However, did all of those who wore them truly understand how a survival bracelet works? And did they really wear them as a survival aid during an emergency situation? The short answer to both questions is: No. From hardware stores to pharmacies and even gas stations, survival bracelets (or cheap imposters, as was the case with most) littered the countertops next to bubble gum and lip balm. In addition to these fashionable bracelets, backpacks, shoulder bags and deluxe, fanny-style pouches began selling faster than ever during the same period. People of all genders and all ages followed these new fads. But how did this all begin? For that, we have the Maya to “blame,” or, more appropriately, the Maya culture from centuries ago. When the year 2012 approached, so did the chatter about the ancient Maya prophecy that the world would end during that year—specifically, on December 21. As one would expect, media outlets exploded with an onslaught of television programs, magazines and books aimed at every aspect of “the end-of-the-world” scenario. And one of this genre’s most successful movies, 2012, helped ramp up the interest when it was released at the end of 2009. No stone was left unturned when it came to self-reliance and overall survival preparations— from creating bug-out bags to popularizing underground bunker living to storing foods and other life-sustaining supplies. Then, December 21, 2012, came and went, and with it, the need to continue to prep

‹ Above: It might be unlikely, but a tsunami could decimate coastal areas across the globe— but few prepare for their possible arrival.

› Right: Pandemics don’t always create “flesh-eating” zombies. Outbreaks of new viruses can occur—sometimes without warning. (Photo: Bigstock)

THE VAST SEA OF INFORMATION THAT MANY HAVE USED TO LEARN ABOUT SURVIVAL LOGICALLY ALSO PUSHES OTHERS IN THAT DIRECTION THROUGH FEAR AND REPEATED WARNINGS OF IMPENDING DOOM; AND WHAT WE’RE EXPOSED TO IS NOT ALWAYS ACCURATE.

MEDIA INFLUENCE The world of survival, as shown through the media during the beginning of the second decade of the century, was a double-edged sword. On one hand, it introduced to many people, especially those who had no idea of what "prepping" was, the idea that being prepared for both manmade and natural emergencies was a very smart thing to do. On the other hand, because media is a business, it portrayed survival to an unrealistic extreme by exaggerating potential world-ending scenarios and creating personal dramas that didn’t serve any useful purpose—other than to entertain and sell commercials. Panic, as it usually does, got people off their couches and into the Army surplus stores, camping sections of department stores and

THE WORLD OF SURVIVAL, AS SHOWN THROUGH THE MEDIA DURING THE BEGINNING OF THE SECOND DECADE OF THE CENTURY, WAS A DOUBLE-EDGED SWORD.

‹ Below: End-ofthe-world panic has subsided within the past few years, but when the next big prediction occurs, fear will once again take over many people’s minds.

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for the ultimate worst-case scenario. Bracelets were left at home, supply bags were thrown in the basement or re-tasked for other purposes, and survival rations were shoved to the back of the pantry. To many, prepping had been a “cool” and “in” thing to do, but it was no longer. Many of those who got on the bandwagon have gotten off and moved on to another “flavor of the month.” Unfortunately, this could come back to haunt them in the near future, when things both natural and man-made go bad.

‹ Although not as popular as it once was, preparation for a zombie-like apocalypse was a very real “thing” about five years ago. (Photo: Bigstock)

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© GETTY IMAGES

› When the media was fanning the flames of survivalist scenarios, it was an all-or-nothing proposition: We would either be safe and comfortable, or the world would devolve into a barren and hostile wasteland.

But then, the planet ignored the Maya predictions and continued to exist. So, after 2012, the number of television shows about survival were steadily disappearing from the promotional schedules. The one-shot “self-reliance” magazine specials were now rarely seen on the newsstands, and the plethora of mainstream survival supplies was gone from the countertops of the local pharmacies and home-supply stores. Although the “buzz” began to fade, the media had done some good by converting a large number of people who were previously ignorant about prepping, influencing them to continue this practice long after the “survival” explosion dissipated. For this, the media, in its various forms, should be commended. › An urban terrorist attack is a very real, present-day scenario. Consequently, proper preparation and use of caution are prudent.

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FALSE SENSE OF SECURITY “Out of sight, out of mind” is a slogan many people unknowingly follow throughout everyday life. Unfortunately, it affects prepping as well.

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... THE VERY FACT THAT SOMETHING HASN’T OCCURRED IN A WHILE, WHETHER IT’S A HURRICANE, EARTHQUAKE OR EVEN A DOMESTIC TERRORIST ATTACK, INCREASES THE PROBABILITY THAT IT WILL OCCUR SOMETIME IN THE NEAR FUTURE. © GETTY IMAGES

anywhere else supplies could be purchased to survive the imminent end of the world. From top-10 lists of what would end life on our world to survival-based reality shows, the trend toward survivalism and prepping in any form was at an all-time high.

A FALSE SENSE OF SECURITY CAN CAUSE MANY TO PROCRASTINATE PREPARING FOR A NATURAL OR MAN-MADE DISASTER OR QUIT IT ENTIRELY.

TOP END-OF-WORLD PREDICTIONS THAT WERE WRONG From thousands of years ago to the present day, these top world-ending predictions talked a big game. But, in the end, they fizzled out as nothing more than unsubstantiated panic-inducers. Catch up on these failed doomsday predictions: NOSTRADAMUS—16TH CENTURY The “king” of predictors, this French prophet predicted the end of the world would occur on numerous occasions. However, his predictions are so vague that nearly any scenario could be interpreted. From fires to earthquakes to world war, the possible outcomes are nearly endless ... and, as yet, unsubstantiated.

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THE GREAT FLOOD, PART 2—FEBRUARY 1, 1524 Astrologers agreed that a second “great flood” would occur, starting from the Thames River. Panic ran wild as thousands of people fled to higher ground—and returned to their homes when no such flood ever occurred.

© GETTY IMAGES

A false sense of security can cause many to procrastinate preparing for a natural or man-made disaster or quit it entirely. This comes from the mindset that “it hasn’t happened in ‘X’ amount of years, so why be worried about it?” This statement is contradictory on many levels. First, the very fact that something hasn’t occurred in a while, whether it’s a hurricane, earthquake or even a domestic terrorist attack, increases the probability that it will occur sometime in the near future. It’s a shift in the odds that as more years pass without incident, a possibly life-changing event is on the horizon. Second, if an emergency situation of some sort does occur, but not within one’s general vicinity, the perception that it “wouldn’t happen here” comes into play. This is a very nonchalant way of

HALLEY’S COMET—1910 Every 75 years or so, this comet streaks across the dark sky. However, in 1910, it was predicted that its tail, which was 24 million miles long, would “impregnate the atmosphere and possibly snuff out all life on the planet,” according to National Geographic.‹ The comet came and Below: A tampon is an important surleft without incident. vival item. Use it

to stop blood flow THE RAPTURE—SEPTEMBER 11, 1988 from a wound, as This date marked the possible return of Christtinder ... andtowith starthim, a firethe end as crude filtering of the world as we know it—as told by Edgar C.or Whisenant. His book, material for turbid 88 Reasons Why the Rapture Could Be in 1988, water. sold more than 4 million copies. Alas, Christ didn’t return; the world survived; and Whisenant continued to make predictions about the second coming of Christ (which were largely ignored).

Y2K—JANUARY 1, 2000 Because most computers only used the last two digits of a year, it was widely predicted that computers, as well as everything they controlled, would misinterpret the year 2000 as 1900 and cease to work properly at the start of the new millennium. As a result, everyone prepared for the worst. And, while nothing happened in the end, the computer techs who safeguarded computers with new programs to protect against the Y2K “bug” made a killing. ALIGNMENT OF THE PLANETS – MAY 5, 2000 On this date, all the planets were to be in alignment, and the result would be great earthquakes and volcanic eruptions throughout the world. The planets did align, but nothing catastrophic occurred. (The fact that the planets aligned similarly about 20 years earlier without harm was overlooked.) THE MAYA CALENDAR—DECEMBER 21, 2012 This was one of the most-recent doomsday predictions and the most talked about. The end of the Maya calendar was said to indicate the end of the world. You are reading this now, so even though the calendar ended, life continues as normal on the planet.

‹ Natural disasters occur randomly over the years. Just because a hurricane or flood hasn’t occurred in a long time doesn’t mean it won’t happen in the very near future.

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REVISITING YOUR CORE-4 SURVIVAL ESSENTIALS Whether you are a hardcore survivalist or a beginning prepper who is somewhat concerned about a possible crisis or emergency in the near future, there are four basic categories of emergency gear that must be collected and stored. These are known by many as the “Core-4.” This group includes food, water, shelter and fire items. When used in tandem, items from these groups can enable a person to survive for a number of days—as determined by the quantity of these supplies in their stores. To many, these categories are a bit vague, so we have provided some specifics below to enable them to better dial in their needs. WATER: A person can survive no longer than three to four days in moderate environments and situations without water, so this is a crucial category. Water supplies can be broken down into two main areas: pre-packaged drinkable water that a person physically stocks with their gear, and items or equipment that make “questionable” water acceptable to drink by ridding it of harmful contaminants. Packaged water is available in cans, bottles and Mylar pouches, and you can store water you process in containers that range from 1 to thousands of gallons, most of which are easy to use. Just be sure to always check the expiration dates and rotate your stock accordingly. Filters, water purification tablets, common household bleach, iodine tabs and desalinators (used to remove salt from seawater) can all make contaminated water safe. Of course, the most common method of purifying water is to boil it. FOOD: Although a person won’t starve within a week or two, their physical and mental capabilities will be extremely crippled by lack of calories, so food in your supply bag is an absolute must. Survival food comes in many forms—freezedried, dehydrated, canned and military MREs to simple, block-form ration bars. The mindset to maintain with survival food is not necessarily taste (although the flavor of some survival foods is very good these days) but shelf life, ease of transport and simplicity of preparation. The food needs to have a long shelf life, because it will be stored for an unknown length of time. The bulkiness of the items can weigh a person down when traveling, so trim the excess weight. Self-contained and ready-to-eat meals trump any others that require the use of heat or water—both of which might not be available to you at the time you experience hunger pangs. FIRE: Fire is a multiple-purpose category. Fire provides heat for warmth and cooking, light, and comfort and peace of mind when a person is alone in the dark. As such, fire is crucial. It is recommended to stock at least five methods of creating fire. Such diverse items can include a flint and steel, ferro rod and striker, magnifying glass, waterproof matches and finally, the easiest and most inexpensive method—a disposable butane lighter (or better yet: a handful of them stored in pockets, bags, glove compartments or just about anywhere). SHELTER: Mother Nature can be nasty when she wants to be, so preparation for harsh outdoor conditions should go without saying. Shelter materials can range from a complete, ready-to-go tent or a versatile tarp to shelter-building tools such as an axe or saw and plenty of cordage. It will all depend on an individual’s needs, their present environment and their ability to store or carry the items. The difficulty level of constructing a shelter should also be carefully considered: When weather conditions change constantly, a person doesn’t want to be out in the cold, rain or high winds for an extended period of time, because this could result in life-threatening results.

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‹ Without water, a person could perish in just three to four days. Be sure to always keep extra water, as well as water purification items, stocked in your supply kit. (Photo: Bigstock)

‹ Dehydrated and freeze-dried foods should make up a large portion of your survival food supply. (Photo: www. LivePrepared.com)

‹ Fire provides multiple benefits— heat for cooking and warmth, light and comfort during the darkness of night. (Photo: Bigstock)

‹ Even if it is just a simple tent, shelter should be part of your everyday survival supply list. (Photo: Bigstock)

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LIKE OTHER DAILY ROUTINES, PREPPING SHOULD BE JUST ANOTHER TASK THAT REQUIRES YOUR PERIODIC ATTENTION.

living; and when the worst does come to your town, lack of preparation could mean the difference between life and death. Finally, many people assume that during a crisis, the local, state or national governments will be there to keep the peace, distribute food and water, and make sure things remain status quo. This is false security at its finest. The truth is that relying on others for your well-being is not recommended or responsible behavior. Significant destruction of the infrastructure, governments dealing with multiple crises or the effects of an economic collapse will cripple most attempts to reach all the affected citizens, and you don’t want to be on the list of those “waiting for supplies.” A PART OF LIFE, NOT A FAD One aspect of prepping on a regular basis, or at least reviewing your preps and adjusting/replacing as needed, is that preparing for any unexpected emergency should be a constant of everyday life and not a fad that rises and falls with the popularity of a new movie or television series. Like other daily routines, prepping should be just another task that requires your periodic attention. Setting a monthly schedule to review your plans, gear and stocked supplies should be right up there with cleaning out the garage, mowing the lawn or doing the grocery

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shopping. As a result, it will always stay on your to-do list and not allow you to run into problems if an emergency occurs. This is the best and easiest way to prevent prepper "fails"—such as dead batteries, expired food, water and medicines, and/or missing key items from your bug-out bags because you forgot you had removed them for other mundane uses. Remember, fads come and go, and those who treat prepping as a fad and think that it is currently unnecessary will, unfortunately, receive a nasty wake-up call when an emergency or critical survival situation comes knocking at their front doors.

› Below: A preassembled bug-out bag is perfect for those not versed in choosing survival gear but who want some basic protection if things go badly. (Photo: www. TotalPrepare.com)

CHOOSE YOUR OWN PATH “Prepping” means different things to different people. Consequently, following others step by step is not always the wisest thing to do. Yes, the experts do have tips, tricks and solid, accumulated experience behind them, and their advice should be considered. Even so, they also treat prepping, or survival in general, as a way of life. The majority of the “average Joes” in the world do not share this way of life. Instead, they are working at their jobs, raising their families and spending the weekends at the mall, the movies or anywhere that gets the family away after a long week of work and school. A “way of life?” No, but everyday people can prep, within their means, to give themselves and their families an edge if/when the worst comes to their town. By simply having bug-out bags stocked and ready, they have an advantage over those who do nothing. The amount, and more importantly, the extent a person preps for disasters is totally up to that person, as well as their estimations as to how much is enough and what they can afford to invest in their plan. If one is aware of the realistic threats they might face and they feel comfortable with their preparations, they are more likely to survive local threats than many of their neighbors. Being prepared, they can separate panic-style fiction from true facts and realistic scenarios. Best of all, concerns about how to handle the unknown will not overwhelm them.

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CELL NETWORK COLLAPSE You may be used to seeing cell phones everywhere, but when things go south you’ll quickly learn that cell networks are about as fragile as snowflakes on a campfire. Cell sites are not required to have battery backups, and the network isn’t designed for everyone to use simultaneously. Here’s a different option. Radio is the back-up communications link relied on by law enforcement, first responders, and emergency management professionals because it works without any infrastructure. And World Gone Silent has taken the capabilities of a ham radio repeater network and compiled all you need into one kit with their World Gone Silent Repeater Pack. The sturdy tactical backpack comes with four pre-configured handheld radios and a base station that can be deployed anywhere. Simply hook up the parts according to the instructions, put your antenna up in a nearby tree, and you’ll have access to a cross-band repeater ready for use. It’s even configured with special sub-audible tones to ensure only your team can use the repeater.

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SURVIVE A HURRICANE DON’T BE SCARED; BE PREPARED. BY BRIAN M. MORRIS

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eople often think that if they don’t live in a hurricane evacuation zone, where storm surge, high winds and flooding have been known to occur, they are not at risk from the storm’s effects and do not need to make preparations for the annual hurricane season. This belief is actually not accurate or prudent. The decision to stay and “ride out” a hurricane by those who live within a hurricane evacuation zone and are not properly prepared can be a fatal error in judgment. Hurricane evacuation zones are designated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and

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its subordinate organization, the National Hurricane Center (NHC). It’s important to remember that while you might not live in a zone that’s being evacuated, that doesn't mean you are not at risk from the storm or its secondary effects. The reality is that while hurricanes directly cause massive flooding, drenching rain, damaging winds, powerful lightning and destructive hail, there are also many lethal secondary effects that come from these behemoths. Tornadoes can appear at the larger storm’s periphery, and flooding can occur down- or upstream from a hurricane whose eye made landfall hundreds of miles away. These “remote” effects can potentially put millions of other lives at

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risk, even though they live well outside the evacuation zone. In fact, these secondary storm effects often play significant roles in determining the levels of casualties and destruction the storm leaves in its wake. Tertiary storm effects, such as ongoing power outages and substandard living conditions that last weeks or months after the storms pass (as is the case in Puerto Rico), can cause the greatest long-term health risk and loss of life. Now that you have a better understanding of how widespread the influence of these storms can reach, what can you do to prepare for the upcoming hurricane season? Keep reading, and you will learn how to greatly reduce your risk of becoming another hurricane statistic after one of Mother Nature’s most ferocious and deadly natural phenomena. BE PROACTIVE Determine whether or not you live in an area that can be affected by a hurricane. Hurricanes (also known as "cyclones" and "typhoons") occur throughout the world. The areas of the United States at the greatest risk of being affected by hurricanes are the Atlantic and Gulf coasts, the Caribbean islands and the Hawaiian islands. Gather information about how to respond to hurricanes in your area. Once you have determined that you are in a risk area, you should find out the locations of the local storm shelters in

‹ Hurricanes, also known as cyclones and typhoons, are one of the most powerful and destructive natural weather phenomena on Earth.

your area. You should also designate which room in your home, if any, is best suited to be your “safe” room. Generally speaking, a safe room is normally an interior room with no windows, preferably on the ground floor or in your basement—assuming the latter is not prone to flooding. Bathrooms often meet these criteria as well. If you plan to use your bathroom as your safe room, consider dragging a mattress into the bathroom prior to the storm’s arrival in your area so you can get into the tub and pull the mattress over you in the event that your home begins to come apart from the ravages of the storm. According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), “A safe room is a hardened structure specifically designed to meet the criteria and provide near-absolute protection in extreme weather events, including tornadoes and hurricanes. Near-absolute protection means that, based on our current knowledge of tornadoes and hurricanes, the occupants of a safe room built in accordance with FEMA guidance will have a very high probability of being protected from injury or death.”

‹ A pickup drives past utility poles downed by Hurricane Maria in San Juan, Puerto Rico, on November 7, 2017.

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Identify courses of action (COA); then choose a COA and prepare for the storm and its aftermath. The three possible COAs for reacting to an approaching hurricane are staying in your home; relocating to an emergency shelter in your area; or evacuating to an area not affected by the storm. Each of these COAs requires planning and preparation. You should have a plan for each of the COAs so you’re prepared, regardless of changes in the situation. This allows you to adjust your response and ensure the highest probability of survival if the hurricane’s path changes as it approaches. COURSES OF ACTION COA 1: Riding out the storm in your home. While it is highly recommended that you leave your home if you live within the evacuation zone and an evacuation order is issued, the decision is ultimately yours to make. What you need to remember when making this choice is that first responders and other emergency rescue crews will almost certainly not be able to help you while the storm is active in your area; they might be unable to get to you for days, weeks or longer after the storm has dissipated. If you live outside the evacuation zone and you decide to weather the storm in your home, it is imperative to have a plan for

IF YOU LIVE OUTSIDE THE EVACUATION ZONE AND YOU DECIDE TO WEATHER THE STORM IN YOUR HOME, IT IS IMPERATIVE TO HAVE A PLAN FOR PROTECTING YOURSELF AND YOUR LOVED ONES DURING THE STORM, AS WELL AS HOW YOU WILL SURVIVE IN ITS AFTERMATH. ‹ Left: Evacuated residents carry their belongings at the New Orleans Convention Center on their way to being airlifted out of the city on September 7, 2005. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)

‹ Below: Police use a small boat to rescue people in New Orleans, Louisiana. They were stranded when levees broke after being overwhelmed by Hurricane Katrina in August 2005. (Photo by Marko Georgiev/Getty Images)

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› Right: The damage left behind by hurricanes can often resemble that of a war zone, with houses and vehicles picked up off the ground and dumped into piles of rubble hundreds of feet from where they first stood.

› Below: Using common remotely operated weapon station (CROWS) optics systems, soldiers from the Florida National Guard's Delta Company, 1st Battalion, 124th Infantry, 53rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team patrol areas for suspected looters four days after Hurricane Irma struck Stock Island, Florida.

› Bottom: A soldier patrols a street to prevent looting on September 22, 2017, in Roseau, the capital of the Caribbean island of Dominica, four days after the passage of Hurricane Maria.

protecting yourself and your loved ones during the storm, as well as how you will survive in its aftermath. Consider that you might not have access to electricity, food, clean water or adequate shelter, and you might need protection from stray or wild animals and looters taking advantage of the situation. While the specific numbers vary, you should keep 3,000 to 5,000 calories of nutritious, shelf-stable food per person per day on hand for as long as you plan to stay in your home after the storm passes by. You should also have at least 2 gallons of potable water per person per day for consumption and personal hygiene. If possible, you should have plenty of 4x8-foot sheets of plywood, multiple large tarps, nails, and other tools and supplies necessary to temporarily repair any storm damage that might have left your home an unsuitable shelter. Unfortunately, it is common for pets to be left behind to fend for themselves before a storm touches down. After time has passed, these once-domesticated animals can become quite vicious and desperate in their search for food. You also need to consider that dangerous wildlife might move into areas normally inhabited by people, thus further complicating your decision to shelter in place. Additionally, one of the harsh realities of hurricanes is that criminals are notorious for taking advantage of a bad situation and looting empty homes and businesses in the area. Consequently, you must also consider both nonlethal and lethal means of protecting yourself and your property. (If you plan to build your own safe room, or you just want to determine which room in your dwelling is the safest place to go during a storm, you can visit this link provided by FEMA: www.FEMA.gov/media-library/assets/documents/2009.) Also consider purchasing a generator powerful enough to run your essential appliances for an extended period of time. Don’t forget to have a supply of fuel and oil, as well as fuel extension additives, for your generator, as well as other secondary or backup sources of power (such as solar, wind and crank technologies). In this way, after you run out of fuel, at least you can still produce enough electricity to keep lights on at night and to charge a radio and cell phone. COA 2: Relocating to an emergency shelter in your area. If relocating to a shelter is in your plan, you should know where the closest local shelters are. Investigate two or three routes to

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TIPS FOR RIDING OUT THE STORM AT HOME TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE TIME YOU HAVE NOW AND BE READY WHEN THE WARNINGS START COMING. DON’T BE ONE OF THE MANY WHO SHUDDER IN PANIC BECAUSE THEY PROCRASTINATED.

• Never run your generator indoors, because carbon monoxide and other lethal exhaust components will lead to severe illness or death. • Contrary to popular belief, taping windows and glass doors will not prevent glass from breaking. It will simply allow it to break into larger pieces that will still wreak havoc inside the building. Consider covering all windows and glass doors with plywood, security window film or having storm shutters installed prior to the start of the season. • Hurricane clips and straps can be purchased at your local home center or hardware store and installed as a means to help prevent the roof from being blown off your house. • If you live in a mobile home, install a secure anchoring system that helps reduce the damage to your home. Florida, for example, requires all mobile homes to have such systems—although the specific type of required anchoring method depends on the type of soil under the home. • Perhaps the ultimate form of protection at home during a hurricane would be an underground shelter. However, you’ll still need to consider the flooding aspect of hurricanes when looking into this option.

‹ Above: You should identify local storm shelters in your area (such as this public storm shelter at Coldwater City Park in south central Kansas).

‹ Left: If you live in an area often threatened by hurricanes, invest in sheets of plywood to cover your windows. The plywood will help protect your home and minimize flying glass when the storms pass through.

each shelter in case heavy traffic or other impediments prevent you from using your primary route. (During an emergency, you can locate all the open FEMA-approved emergency shelters in your area at this link set up by the American Red Cross: www.RedCross.org/gethelp/disaster-relief-and-recovery-services/findan-open-shelter. This website also gives you some information about what to expect when you arrive at the shelter.) COA 3: Evacuating to an area not affected by the storm. Well before leaving your home and your town when a mandatory evacuation order has been issued, you need to identify where you are going to go. Try to have two or three alternate locations, such as a friend or relative’s home and a hotel, in case the first location falls through for any reason. Plan two or three routes to both your primary and alternative locations. Consider using a paper road atlas or printing out a copy of your routes in the event that the cell

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‹ Near left: Evacuation of refugees at the New Orleans Convention Center in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina on September 3, 2005 (Photo by Laurent van der Stockt/ Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images)

› Residents post a warning to looters as they recover from damage to their homes after torrential rains caused widespread flooding during Hurricane and Tropical Storm Harvey on September 1, 2017, in the Atascocita subdivision in Humble, Texas.

towers, Internet and GPS technologies are overwhelmed or not functioning. Never let the gas in your car drop below half a tank. If you have enough forewarning, you should top off your fuel tank, because it is very likely there will either be extremely long lines at the pumps or the pumps will be empty. Have a group reunification plan in place before the season starts. Begin with a rally point at a location known by the people in your immediate party, as well as anyone else you plan to be with at the destination. Depending on your circumstances, your rally point might be the final destination or any point on the way to it. ‹ Hurricane survivors receive food and water being distributed by volunteers and municipal police as they deal with the aftermath of Hurricane Maria in Toa Baja, Puerto Rico, on September 28, 2017.

DEFINITION OF TERMS TROPICAL STORM WATCH: Sustained winds of 39 to 73 miles per hour are possible within the next 48 hours.

TROPICAL STORM WARNING: Sustained winds of 39 to 73 miles per hour are likely within the next 36 hours.

HURRICANE WATCH: Sustained winds of 74 miles per hour are possible within the next 48 hours.

HURRICANE WARNING: Sustained winds of 74 miles per hour are likely within the next 36 hours.

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Gather all the supplies you will need to take with you. Remember that anything can happen once you leave your home, so you need to pack in a way that will allow you to be flexible. You could end up moving from your car to public transportation or possibly even foot travel. Therefore, everything you bring should fit into a backpack you are physically capable of carrying for moderate distances. Don't forget the essentials: food, water, shelter, security, communications, health, navigation and fire. Additional things to remember would be prescription medications, personal hygiene essentials, phone chargers and cables, entertainment for long, boring days if you are possibly confined to a shelter, along with a contact book with the names and numbers of friends and relatives across the country and beyond to whom you might need to reach out in a time of need. You should also have copies of important papers—insurance policies, contacts (including doctor contact information) and other key pieces of information you might need when you return to a devastated home. If you have pets, you should specifically search for pet-friendly evacuation destinations, because that can be a challenge in even the best of times. Many shelters will only accept pets that are registered service or support animals. Be sure you investigate this topic before you set your sights on specific shelters so you won’t have this barrier to entry at the last minute. (You can get more information and register your dog at these, and other, organizations: https://USServiceAnimals.org and http://USDogRegistry.org.) Let the storm pass, assess the damage, and implement contingencies as necessary. After the storm passes, your next move will be directly related to the COA you chose.

ASG-1806-Kensington Publishing 2/22/18 7:47 AM

ACCORDING TO THE FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY (FEMA), “A SAFE ROOM IS A HARDENED STRUCTURE SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED TO MEET THE CRITERIA AND PROVIDE NEAR-ABSOLUTE PROTECTION IN EXTREME WEATHER EVENTS, INCLUDING TORNADOES AND HURRICANES.”

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TERTIARY STORM EFFECTS, SUCH AS ONGOING POWER OUTAGES AND SUBSTANDARD LIVING CONDITIONS THAT LAST WEEKS OR MONTHS AFTER THE STORMS PASS ... CAN CAUSE THE GREATEST LONG-TERM HEALTH RISK AND LOSS OF LIFE.

‹ A child scrapes mud from the front of a house damaged by Hurricane Maria in Toa Baja, Puerto Rico, on October 5, 2017.

STAYING HOME AFTER THE STORM If you decided to stay in your home, you can begin to pick up the pieces and determine if your home is still a viable option to shelter you and your family. You’ll need to ensure there is no structural damage to your home that can put you at risk and that none of the surrounding homes is indirectly putting you in harm’s way (for example, such as because of a natural gas leak). You should also consider the condition of the infrastructure that keeps your home functioning—utilities, water and sewage, public services—and other community assets—fuel stations, grocery stores and the disposition of emergency first responders. A consistent concern after a hurricane is the availability of potable water, because water systems are often contaminated by overspill of sewage and flooding that brings a wide variety of contaminants into these facilities.

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RETURNING HOME AFTER THE STORM Regardless of whether you evacuated to a local shelter or you left the state to stay with a distant relative, you will eventually want to return home to assess the damage and try to salvage and protect what is left of your property. This can be a very frustrating time, because local, state and federal authorities will have most likely sealed off the areas most seriously affected by the storm. Chances are, they will not allow access until they complete a comprehensive safety inspection and all the damaged infrastructure necessary to support the local populace is brought back into working order. With winds ranging between 74 mph and up to, or exceeding, 156 mph, hurricanes are not to be taken lightly. These blasts are strong enough to toss vehicles like toys, uproot trees, lift houses and shred buildings as if they were made of cardboard. The massive waves and storm surge that can come with the wind could travel several miles inland, inundating and scooping up everything in their path. PLAN AHEAD On the plus side, advancements in meteorological science have made predicting and tracking these swirling monsters more reliable than ever before. We are now able to receive notifications days, and maybe even a week, in advance of landfall. This allows us to make an informed decision and have enough time to get to a safe location ... as long as we plan ahead. Take advantage of the time you have now and be ready when the warnings start coming. Don’t be one of the many who shudder in panic because they procrastinated. At a minimum, this will give you the peace of mind and confidence that come from knowing your loved ones will be taken care of in times of emergency.

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‹ A resident stands at her doorstep as she looks at strong waves in Saint-Pierre, on the French Caribbean island of Martinique, after it was hit by Hurricane Maria on September 19, 2017. Martinique suffered power outages but avoided major damage.

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LEARNING FROM MARIA LESSONS AND ADVICE FOR SURVIVING HURRICANES AND OTHER MAJOR DISASTERS BY LARRY SCHWARTZ

D

uring 2017, the islands in the Caribbean and the U.S. states along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts experienced storms and natural disasters of almost biblical proportions and impact. Category 4 and 5 hurricanes Irma and Maria hit Cuba, Puerto Rico and Florida within nine days of each other, giving local governments a devastating one-two punch. Telecommunications, transportation routes, water supplies, sewage systems and power grids were hit especially hard this time around, and they are all critical infrastructure. Federal, state and local governments and NGOs normally respond as quickly as they can in situations such as this, but the local authorities on the Caribbean islands didn’t seem to be able to get their acts together, even when resources were being made available to them. A DAUNTING SET OF CHALLENGES These natural disasters were traumatic to those who found themselves in their paths. Every year, governments and the non-government

organizations that support them cry that they are overcome by what has happened. They must rebuild from scratch and are overwhelmed by the magnitude of the tasks they face. In the 2107 hurricane season, storms made the seaports useless for the first several days after landfall. Supplies were coming into the ports, but they were not able to move anything inland, because debris and damage to the roads prevented drivers from getting to their trucks. When they did get to their trucks, they could not get to the ports. These, and other such lessons, should be gleaned each time a natural disaster strikes a community. And those lessons might be useful in influencing policies and actions in areas far from hurricane zones. Unfortunately, many communities, or at least their governments, have not taken these lessons to heart or have not integrated them into existing plans. Here are some things they might consider to speed their recovery and to get the vital services back into operation more quickly. DOING THINGS BETTER The Caribbean gets hit every year in some way or another. Residents should know by now the range of what they will be facing, and they (and the rest of us) should be paying attention to the lessons learned from past disasters. Here are a few of the key things that local governments should consider. Put plans into place now. With decades of experience in reacting to hurricanes and tropical storms, the governments at all levels know what needs to be done before and after storms hit. They, along with their constituents, should take the initiative and develop plans to proactively prepare for future storm seasons. Some of the actions that should be considered are shown in this article. Don’t depend on supplies coming in afterward. To avoid the logistics nightmare of bringing in emergency supplies of water and fuel, these, and other necessary supplies, should be stockpiled in various areas near the people who will need them—therefore, in urban areas.

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Pre-positioned vehicles to distribute supplies. The people who will drive them should be sent there before the emergency hits so that getting them there after the storm won’t be an issue. Depending on commercial trucking companies to provide the resources to transport supplies after the storm has been shown to be ineffective, but if vehicles and drivers are sent to the necessary locations beforehand, commercial firms could be effective. Mobile backup equipment for key services. Relief workers working with companies (such as AT&T) that donated equipment, as well as the military, which brought its capabilities to bear, put equipment into place that replaced the capability to provide power, telecommunication and drinking water. Instead of waiting for it to arrive, these portable systems should be pre-positioned around the island in locations that can be reached by ground or air transportation so they can be put into service once the storm passes. They should be in place year round, not just before the anticipated storm. Practice makes perfect. Businesses have disaster recovery plans to help them ensure they can continue to provide services and products to their customers. Governments can, and should, do the same. These disaster recovery plans are

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‹ The power of 2017’s Caribbean hurricanes was devastating. This emphasizes the importance of people taking steps to address their basic needs while they wait for more supplies and services to come from government and NGO sources. (Photo: WikiMedia.org)

‹ Below: Earth-moving equipment should be pre-positioned at supply depots so they can clear roads from the depots to where the supplies need to be. (Photo: Media. Defense.gov)

exercised on a regular basis at least once a year. By exercising the plans, they ensure the plan will work in the current environment; that people are trained to perform their part in the plan; and that equipment and other resources are functional and available should they be needed. For example, is the evacuation route still workable, or did new construction make it impossible? Is the fuel that has been in storage for three years still usable, or has it been corrupted with water or other contaminants? Would it be better to create a rotation plan that limits storage to shorter time periods? Are the people who were trained to provide emergency medical services still available, and do they remember their training? Are the airlift assets that are intended to move supplies still available? Depots everywhere. Depots need to be located all over the island, not just in a few centrally located positions. Just as positioning snow-removal equipment and supplies is done in northern

THE LESSON FOR INDIVIDUALS IS TO TAKE THEIR OWN STEPS TO PREPARE FOR CATASTROPHIC EVENTS. HOUSEHOLDS SHOULD HAVE EMERGENCY PROVISIONS AND EQUIPMENT IN PLACE TO TAKE CARE OF THE BASIC NEEDS OF LIFE. ‹ Above: Flood damage was extensive in all parts of Puerto Rico, delaying repair and restoration efforts until the waters receded. (Photo: WikiMedia.org)

‹ Left, top and bottom: Search-andrescue teams, both from the island and the U.S. mainland, were kept busy in the more-remote areas of the island. (Photo: WikiMedia.org)

mainland states, putting smaller depots in many places around the island works much better than large depots in a few places. This provides two critical advantages. First, if one of a few depots is not accessible, larger amounts of supplies are lost to the disaster relief effort. With more, smaller depots, this impact is minimized. Second, a critical factor in any disaster relief effort is the time and/ or distance needed to get the supplies to the people who need them. Having the supplies closer to those who need them will speed up recovery efforts. It might be easier to manage a few depots, but it isn’t as effective—and effectiveness should be the main consideration in this scenario. That said, there is a point of diminishing returns, so those living in remote areas should be aware that they should invest in more of their own emergency stores, because they’ll be among the last to be served after a catastrophe. Mobilize personnel early. As mentioned above, getting people in place before the storm hits is going to be vital to the success of disaster recovery plans. The biggest challenge authorities have faced are logistical, so proactively getting their workers to where they need to be will mitigate much of that risk. Plans and transportation need to be prepared to get people to where they will be working. The military does this well with deployments: They have facilities in place for people who report for duty. They are then transported to where they

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› Access to functioning medical and surgical facilities, such as those shown here aboard the USNS Comfort, are critical during and after serious hurricanes and need to be planned for ahead of time. (Photo: Media. Defense.gov)

need to be. This also includes the ability to feed them and facilities for them to sleep and bathe. The facilities model used at many interstate truck stops would work well in this situation. Take care of your people ahead of time. However, people living in potential natural disaster areas have families, and many will want to stay with them instead of going to where they are needed. This has happened on the mainland, with some police officers and firefighters who, in more-normal situations, are very dedicated to their jobs. For this reason, steps should be taken to ensure their families are ready for the possible effects of a hurricane. Emergency supplies should be in place so these workers don’t have to worry about leaving their families in order to serve the community.

Provisions should be in place to take the families to a safe location if their homes are damaged or destroyed. Communicating that information to the workers will enable the workers to do their jobs without worrying about their families. Self-sufficient supply trains. Another logistical challenge after the 2017 hurricanes was getting the road system cleared and functional. If the roads are not passable, supplies cannot be moved to the people who are in need. To address this challenge, each depot or port should also have equipment designed to clear the roads. If possible, they should also have the capability to make basic repairs to the roads or to make temporary roadways around damaged sections. Trucks with plows, bulldozers and other earth-moving equipment could do the lion’s share of this kind of work. The supply train would follow the maintenance vehicles as they clear the roads ahead. Drones to survey the damage. Yet another logistical challenge was assessing the status of infrastructure, such as roads and the power grid. Areas that need repairs must be identified, and the repairs should then be prioritized. More drones equipped with video cameras should ‹ Personnel from the USNS Comfort provided medical services on the island of Puerto Rico to supplement those provided on board. (Photo: Media.Defense.gov)

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TELECOMMUNICATIONS, TRANSPORTATION ROUTES, WATER SUPPLIES, SEWAGE SYSTEMS AND POWER GRIDS WERE HIT ESPECIALLY HARD THIS TIME AROUND, AND THEY ARE ALL CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE.

‹ Above: President Trump visited Puerto Rico to get a firsthand look at the relief efforts that originated on the U.S. mainland. More needs to be done on the islands to make them more self-sufficient in dealing with the annual challenge of hurricanes and tropical storms. (Photo: WikiMedia)org)

be used to do this survey and assessment faster than in the past. A number of power companies in mainland states are already piloting programs that use drones for this very purpose. Experimental balloons and tethered drones were deployed in October and November, respectively, over Puerto Rico to provide cellular service in some areas. Quicker and more-comprehensive use of these assets in the future would enhance the speed and thoroughness of damage estimates and mitigation activities. Make better use of the National Guard. The Puerto Rican National Guard, composed of both air and ground assets, did an excellent job of helping the people of Puerto Rico and the neighboring islands. They were limited, however, by the capabilities that are part of their organizational structure. The ground assets are mainly infantry units with some military police and their organic support companies that can provide water purification, communications, transportation and engineering support. The air assets are C-130 heavy airlift aircraft that can move massive amounts of supplies or people on short or rudimentary airstrips. The infantry units were able to provide trucks and manpower throughout the island. The air assets were able to move bulk people and supplies. But the real benefit came from units that could provide the basics of life—purifying water, re-establishing communications, and repairing or building bridges. Imagine how much more they could do if their table of equipment and organization were modified to reflect their local disaster relief mission with the addition of more of these support resources! Also, adding new units with the following capabilities would greatly magnify the existing civilian emergency resources already in place: • A helicopter battalion to get people and supplies into areas the C-130s and ground vehicles could not get to.

‹ Above: Functioning telecommunications infrastructure, such as these microwave towers, is critical to the restoration of normal activities following damaging hurricanes— and they are also vital to effective delivery and management of emergency services. (Photo: Media.Defense. gov)

› Right: Engineers from the Puerto Rican National Guard repair power lines as part of the effort to restore the electrical power grid on the island. These activities were some of the most beneficial uses of the PRNG. (Photo: Media. Defense.gov)

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ONLINE RESOURCES FOR HURRICANE EMERGENCIES The following resources and websites contain useful information regarding what to do prior to, during and after a hurricane: • The Hurricane page at Ready.gov: www.Ready.gov/hurricanes • FEMA’s “How to Prepare for a Hurricane” pamphlet: www.FEMA.gov/ media-library-data/1494007144395-b0e215ae1ba6ac1b556f084e190e5862/ FEMA_2017_Hurricane_HTP_FINAL.pdf • AccuWeather’s hurricane preparedness article: www.AccuWeather.com/en/ weather-news/six-ways-to-prepare-for-tropical-storms-hurricanesatlantic-season/46771146 • Hurricane Safety from the Red Cross: www.RedCross.org/get-help/how-toprepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/hurricane#About • The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) page on hurricane preparedness: www.CDC.gov/features/hurricanepreparedness/index.html

› Right: Coordination of emergency responses involves dozens of organizations from many regions. Advanced planning and practice exercises provide major benefits to local emergency-management agencies. (Photo: WikiMedia.org)

‹ Below: Debris that blocked roads comprised more than just limbs and brush. It included trees, building materials and landslide rubble. (Photo: Media. Defense.gov)

• A telecommunications battalion to quickly re-establish communications for command and control of disaster recovery efforts—but not to re-establish normal telephone service (although this might be an additional capability or mission). • An engineering battalion to help with road clearance and repair, operating as snow removal departments do in the mainland’s northern states. • A battalion of field hospitals (the 21st-century equivalent of the Korean War MASH units) to serve two purposes: first, to provide medical services in more-remote areas; second, to provide civilian medical staff a place to do their work while hospitals

‹ Near left: Clearing roads often requires more than just moving debris. In this case, the roadbed and water lines were undercut by flood waters. The Puerto Rico National Guard engineering battalions were able to make field repairs to get the road operational again. (Photo: Media.Defense.gov)

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THE CARIBBEAN GETS HIT EVERY YEAR IN SOME WAY OR ANOTHER. RESIDENTS SHOULD KNOW BY NOW THE RANGE OF WHAT THEY WILL BE FACING, AND THEY (AND THE REST OF US) SHOULD BE PAYING ATTENTION TO THE LESSONS LEARNED FROM PAST DISASTERS.

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IT’S NOT JUST FOR GOVERNMENTS In reality, governments and local municipalities can only do so much. With these disasters in the Caribbean, we have seen that it can take weeks for help to reach many people and months to repair serious damage to infrastructure. The lesson for individuals is to take their own steps to prepare for catastrophic events. Households should have emergency provisions and equipment in place to take care of the basic needs of life. Based on past response times, these should be able to support you and your family for at least 15 days—and preferably, 30 days. These include: • Food—Enough nonperishable food for each person in the family. Focus on canned or dehydrated foods, packaged rice- or pasta-based meals, because they are easy to prepare and easy to store for at least several months. The food stocks should be rotated out every three to six months, using them for your regular meals and replacing them with fresh supplies. (And, of course, don’t forget a can opener.) • Water—Enough water for each person in the family. Plan on 2 gallons of potable water per person each day. This should cover what you need to drink, what you need for cooking and some left over for cleaning and bathing. The best approach is to store drinkable water in a mix of large and small containers to simplify storage and usage. If you don’t have the space to store that much water, invest in water filters or pumps you can use to purify local sources of water. Products also exist for purifying sea water if that is your main local option. • Food Preparation—Simple pots and pans for cooking and a way to cook or prepare the food. Because what you are preparing will normally just need to be heated or rehydrated, you don’t need anything fancy. Things you already have at home that you can put into use during an emergency include propane or biofuel camp stoves, or gas or charcoal grills. • Electricity—A way to meet your electrical needs. This should only be for communications devices such as cell phones and in order to stay aware of what is going on. This need can be met with batteries, solar panels, electric generators or hand-crank generators. • Communications. Your two-way communication needs can be handled with cell phones or a variety of radios—depending on the coverage distance desired—that do not require cell phone tower infrastructure to be up and running. Multi-power emergency radios have the ability to receive AM and FM bands in addition to weather and emergency broadcasts. • Shelter. There are many ways to keep your family sheltered from the weather. Depending on the situation, this could range from emergency blankets or sleeping bags to debris shelters or a cave. In the event your roof is damaged but the building is not dangerous, you can set up a tent in a room and sleep in there. Another approach is to have the tools on hand to make temporary repairs. • Health. Have equipment and supplies on hand to meet your medical needs. Also know how to use it! This can be a basic first aid kit with enough supplies for

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› Near right: To increase their chances of receiving assistance, residents of this home painted "HELP" on their roof so it could be seen by rescue aircraft. (Photo: WikiMedia.org)

› Far right: Drinking water is one of the most critical needs, especially in a disaster situation. Units of the Puerto Rico National Guard were able to provide water purification services in areas where bottled water supplies could not be delivered. (Photo: Media.Defense.gov)

the number of people you need to support. Getting a family-sized kit will ensure you have enough for your needs and, if needed, to help others around you. Another thing to remember is to have at least one refill of your prescription drugs on hand in case you cannot refill them after the storm hits. • Sanitation. Most people don’t think about sanitation until it’s too late. You need a way to clean your cooking utensils, handle human and pet waste, and keep your hands clean. Your focus is to keep your gear and yourself as free of germs as possible, because illnesses spread more broadly and quickly in unsanitary environments.

› Right: Getting supplies to remote areas, especially in the mountainous areas of Puerto Rico, was difficult. When roads were not passible for weeks after the hurricanes, the only option was helicopters. (Photo: Mediad.Publicbroadcasting.net)

‹ Above: When supplies were delivered to distribution points, they were passed out by members of the Puerto Rico National Guard and emergency personnel. (Photo: Media.Defense.gov)

‹ Left: Hurricane winds and rains ripped the tops off of trees, flooded roads and tore the roofs off of homes and buildings. (Photo: WikiMedia.org)

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SHARP SIDEKICKS

EXPLORING THE VARIETY OF SURVIVAL’S #1 TOOL BY MICHAEL D’ANGONA

U

nquestionably, the number-one tool/weapon for any survivalist would be a knife. Although some people might debate this for certain circumstances, this statement stands true for a multitude of reasons. First, a knife acts as a multifunctioning tool. It can carve diverse shapes, such as a spoon or fork, from irregular chunks of wood. It can sharpen and notch saplings to construct animal traps, an overnight shelter or a makeshift fishing pole or spear. When fire is needed, it can be used to create sparks with a companion ferro rod or other metallic fire-starter. Its uses are diverse and

numerous when it’s go time. In addition, a knife is also a personal defensive and offensive weapon. Silent, maneuverable and deadly, a sharpened knife at your side can aid you during an unprovoked attack from either man or beast. And, when starvation is knocking at your door, a knife will help you secure sustenance from both the plant and animal kingdoms. As diverse as their uses, knives are available in extremely varied forms and materials. They differ in length, size, shape, weight, components and a number of other factors. Your job is to find the best knife, or knives, to fit your particular needs. Luckily for you, there are plenty of good ones from which to choose.

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Creek Stewart’s Whiskey Bolo Overview

Specifications

The Whiskey Bolo is the first machete in Creek Stewart's “Whiskey” line of knives. Its tip-heavy design makes it a devastating tool for clearing brush and chopping. The rounded, sharpened tip is also perfect for trenching or digging out a fire pit. The white oak whiskey barrel scales are hot-dipped in paraffin wax for a lifetime of protection. The Whiskey Bolo comes with a highly durable stapled leather sheath that has been dipped in a hot paraffin bath for weatherproofing.

• Overall length: 15.25 inches • Blade length: 9.875 inches • Steel: Reptile-A36Carb • Upcycled white oak handle • Handmade in Kentucky

MSRP $180

URL www.CreekStewart.com

Creek Stewart’s Whiskey Mule Fixed Blade Overview

Specifications

The Whiskey Mule is a true working woods knife. The trailing point design makes for a beautiful, yet extremely functional, blade. The white oak scales and forged thumb ramp give the Mule a comfortable grip, even in the worst of conditions. This knife also features an integrated ferro rod scraper and a unique lanyard hole that is perpendicular to the full-tang handle.

• Overall length: 9.5 inches • Blade length: 5 inches • Steel: Reptile-A36Carb • Upcycled white oak handle • Handmade in Kentucky

MSRP $135

URL www.CreekStewart.com

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CRKT Minimalist Bowie Overview

Specifications

The perfect all-around knife, this little number cuts through nearly any material with ease. Equally useful in both urban and rural settings, the Minimalist Bowie features an extra-sharp, plain-edged blade; easy-to-grip, resin-infused handle; and an attached lanyard for confident retention. Big jobs are no problem for this compact, yet incredibly versatile, knife.

• Overall length: 5.13 inches • Blade length: 2.13 inches • Blade steel: 5Cr15MoV • Bead-blasted blade finish • Glass-reinforced nylon sheath • Weight: 1.6 ounces

MSRP $39.99

URL www.CRKT.com

CRKT Shinbu Fixed Blade Overview

Specifications

Superior penetration and maximum slashing power are the trademarks of this awesome blade. Featuring a dual-grind, tanto-style blade, this makes short work of any cutting operation. Constructed of YK-30 high-carbon steel, the Shinbu is the go-to weapon-of-choice during entry and search operations when firearms cannot be used. A traditional cord-wrapped handle provides a sure grip and exceptional energy transfer to your strikes, making the Shinbu a force to be reckoned with.

• Overall length: 14.75 inches • Blade length: 9.25 inches • Blade finish: Satin • MOLLE-compatible Kydex sheath • Weight 13.3 ounces

MSRP $350

URL www.CRKT.com

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CRKT Septimo Folder Overview

Specifications

Designed by a seasoned Green Beret, the Septimo is a straightforward, compact, tactical folder that performs as an all-around knife, as well as a strap cutter, utility knife and personal-defense tool. For use in nearly all environments, the Septimo is your lifeline when it’s only you against both man and nature. Its sure-grip, ergonomic handle prevents slipping and accidents while transferring your power through its razor-sharp blade.

• Open length: 8.188 inches • Blade length: 3.622 inches • Blade finish: Black oxide • Veff Serration strap cutter • Liner locking mechanism • Flipper opener • Handle: 6061 aluminum with thermoplastic rubber inlays

MSRP $59.99

URL www.CRKT.com

Wazoo Ceramic Mini-Knife Version 3 Overview

Specifications

This extremely compact ceramic folder is ideal for cutting through leather, cardboard, fabric, cordage or even a fresh kill. Constructed from ceramic, brass and plastic, and with a stainless steel chain, this pocket essential offers precision slicing, as well as a great replacement for a fire steel scraper. This new Version 3 offers an even-hardened black blade and a thicker spine, which creates a shower of fire-starting sparks. Stores just about everywhere with ease.

• Open length: 2.8 inches • Closed length: 1.7 inches • Blade length: 1.1 inches • Blade: Nonmagnetic zirconia ceramic • Weight: 0.1 ounce • Includes EPDM O-ring for secure closure

MSRP $15

URL www.WazooSurvivalGear.com

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Schrade Extreme Hollow Handle Survival Knife Overview

Specifications

This hollow-handled knife is the real deal; no more broken handles found on cheap, imitation varieties. This survival knife, constructed of one-piece high-carbon steel, will take a beating out in the field and will come back for more. Its roomy handle’s compartment comes with a multi-piece tool set that can be removed and replaced with any sort of pocket-sized survival gear that your mission or weekend in the woods dictates. Includes a lanyard and sheath.

• Overall length: 12.7 inches • Blade length: 7.5 inches • Blade and handle are 1070 high-carbon steel • Weight: 17.8 ounces • Includes 12-piece hex bit kit • Reinforced nylon sheath

MSRP $106.66

URL www.BTIBrands.com

TOPS Fieldcraft 154CM Stainless Fixed Blade Overview

Specifications

The Fieldcraft can be your go-to blade during crucial survival situations or when you are exploring, camping or hiking. Its high-quality stainless steel blade maintains sharpness, even under the harshest conditions. Sporting a hardness of RC 58-60 and given a full cryo treatment, the 154CM blade is ideal as a striker or for a variety of scraping and cutting tasks. The Fieldcraft blade is available with a variety of handles and comes complete with a durable Kydex sheath, magnesium ferro rod and a signal whistle.

• Overall length: 10.0 inches • Blade length: 4.75 inches • Blade finish: Subdued tumbled finish • Weight without sheath: 10.5 ounces • Black Kydex sheath

MSRP $275

URL www.TopsKnives.com

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SOG Pillar Fixed Blade Overview

Specifications

This American-made, all-around knife features a full-tang CPM S35VN steel blade and canvas Micarta handle. Constructed for durability and ease of handling, this knife offers improved toughness, better edge retention and higher resistance to wear and chipping—all while maintaining ultimate ease of sharpening. In both wet and dry conditions, your grip won’t fail while performing everyday or survival-level tasks. This knife comes complete with an adjustable, low-profile locking mount.

• Overall length: 9.9 inches • Blade length: 5.00 inches • Blade finish: Subdued stone wash • Canvas Micarta handle • Black Kydex sheath

MSRP $254

URL www.SOGKnives.com

SOG Spec Arc Folder Overview

Specifications

Lightweight and easily concealable in your front or back pocket, the Spec Arc features a VG-10 blade and Arc-Lock construction for smooth opening and strong lockup. The Spec Arc’s blade offers clean and consistent slicing. It is easy to maintain a sharp edge on this knife. Its glass-reinforced nylon handle is both abrasion- and impact-resistant, and the entire unit is secured deep in your pocket with its reversible low-carry clip.

• Blade length: 4.0 inches • Closed length: 4.80 inches • Bead-blasted finish • Ambidextrous Arc Lock keeps blade secure • Reversible low-carry belt clip

MSRP $160

URL www.SOGKnives.com

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TOPS Al Mar Mini SERE Operator Fixed Blade Overview

Specifications

Sporting the title of one of the most wellknown tactical knives ever fielded—and with the performance to back it up—the Mini SERE Operator is ready to be your EDC. The Operator’s classic design, mixed with proven ergonomics, makes this knife perfect for slashing or stabbing. Its handle is thin and comfortable in both forward and reverse grips, allowing multiple positioning options across your body. The Operator is an iconic knife that walks the walk!

• Overall length: 8.75 inches • Blade length: 4.00 inches • Blade steel: 154CM • Blade finish: Subdued tumbled finish • Weight with sheath: 4.5 ounces • Includes Kydex belt sheath

MSRP $210

URL www.TopsKnives.com

SOG Kiku Assisted Folder Overview

Specifications

This knife represents the incredible collaboration between SOG and Japanese knife maker Kiku Matsuda. Balancing class and comfort with durability and functionality, this stylish workhorse is ideal for carry, no matter where you go. Its ingenious coil spring-assisted technology allows for an almost effortless opening, while its blade sports the trademark grinds of its Japanese creator. The linen Micarta handle makes it ultra-strong, lightweight and highly resistant to wear, chemicals and heat.

• Blade length: 3.50 inches • Closed length: 4.60 inches • Blade steel: VG-10 stainless • Weight: 5.6 ounces • Button lock blade-locking mechanism • Integrated stainless steel handle liners

MSRP $174

URL www.SOGKnives.com

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Kershaw Deadline Folder Overview

Specifications

Both classy and tactical, the Deadline offers the perfect balance between a secure, closed knife and an easy-to-open flipper. The detent ball allows a just-right-feeling opening mechanism that operates smoothly time after time. The 8Cr13MoV plain-edge Wharncliffe blade features a top swedge, while its handle is composed of two-toned steel with a cold-forged textured grip. Glassfilled nylon backspacers add rich detail and a clean, polished finish. A deep-carry, reversible pocket clip allows the knife to rest low in your pocket. The Deadline is an exceptional EDC weapon.

• Open length: 7.5 inches • Blade length: 3.25 inches • Weight: 4.6 ounces • Steel handle with titanium carbo-nitride coating • Frame lock mechanism

MSRP $49.99

URL https://Kershaw.KaiUSAltd.com

Mykel Hawke’s Tacti-Tool Overview

Specifications

Designed by renowned survivalist and former U.S. Special Forces operator Mykel Hawke, the Tacti-Tool performs a multitude of functions while still serving as your go-to knife while out in the field. The razor-sharp, straight-edged blade is joined by flat and Phillips screwdrivers, a bottle opener with sharpened belt-cutter, and both carabiner and belt-clip carrying points. The ergonomic handle features G-10 scales and is specially designed to be held firmly in your grasp.

• Open length: 7.375 inches (with main blade open) • Blade length: 3.125 inches • Closed length: 4.25 inches • Weight: 6.4 ounces • Quick-release carabiner clip • Integrated belt clip

MSRP $29.99

URL www.HawkeBrand.com

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DON’T KICK THE CAN! SURVIVAL HACKS FOR A DISCARDED ALUMINUM CAN

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TEXT AND PHOTOS BY CHRISTOPHER NYERGES

e’ve all been walking in the pristine wilderness, and suddenly, we see that someone left their beer cans lying scattered on the ground. Some of my hiking partners utter some pretty coarse profanities at the “modern barbarians” who left a pile of their aluminum cans for someone else to clean up. I must admit that litter of any sort bothers me. After all, shouldn’t we all adhere to the rule, “Pack it in; pack it out”? Aluminum cans are also so light and can be crushed so easily that they don’t take up a lot of space on the hike out. Don't litter! Period.

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OK, now that I’ve gotten that out of my system, here’s another perspective. Did you see the movie, The Gods Must Be Crazy? In it, a bush pilot drops a soda bottle out of the plane, and it falls into the midst of a tribe of Bushmen. They have never seen such an object before, and they all use it for a dozen or so practical uses. As far as they are concerned, the gods in heaven dropped them this new tool to make life easier. An aluminum can is one of those multipurpose objects that can literally be a lifesaver if you’re lost or stranded. What good is an aluminum can, you say? Well, with an aluminum can, a bit of skill and your Swiss Army knife, you can make a fire, purify water, cook, signal and do a number of other things. That makes the discarded aluminum can a “multipurpose tool.” Let’s take a look at the many uses of an aluminum can that you might happen to find.

... YOU’LL PROBABLY COME UP WITH SOME OTHER USES FOR ALUMINUM CANS, SUCH AS A COLLECTOR FOR A SOLAR STILL, A SOURCE FOR MAKING SOME BASIC CUTTING TOOLS OR FIELD-EXPEDIENT FASTENERS, AND MANY OTHERS. ‹ Discarded aluminum cans are easy to find everywhere. Even when you’re on a remote trail, it’s possible to find some of these signs of human presence.

MAKE A FIRE I was a bit skeptical when I first heard about making a fire using the bottom of an aluminum beer or soda can, but it actually works. That is, it works if you prepare the can properly ... and if you have a lot of patience.

‹ To make a fire with an aluminum can, first polish the bottom. Steel wool works great, but you can also use other means to bring a shine to the aluminum.

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‹ Polishing the concavity at the bottom of the aluminum can with steel wool works best, but you can also use other materials, such as toothpaste.

‹ Below, top image: Face the bottom of the can toward the sun and place your tinder in the “hot spot” until it catches fire. ‹ Bottom image: Patience pays off as the tinder begins to smolder.

The very bottom of an aluminum can is not a true parabolic dish, but when highly polished, it can be used to focus the sun’s rays to a point and ignite tinder. Because the surface of the bottom of the aluminum can is not polished, you need to give it a high polish in order for it to sufficiently focus the sun’s rays. When I first heard about this, people were suggesting that you should polish the bottom of the can with chocolate (a suggestion I have never fully understood to this day. Maybe that suggestion was made because a hiker is likely to have some chocolate in his pack. But it is clearly not the best way to polish the can—or to use the chocolate). The best polishing agent I’ve found for this is fine steel wool. However, it’s always good to know several ways to do each task. So, if you don’t have steel wool, try toothpaste. Polish the bottom of the can for about 10 minutes or until you have a bright and highly reflective surface. Once the bottom of the can has the high polish, you are ready to make fire. Experimenter Eric Zammit of Altadena, California, discovered via practice that he could quickly get a coal if he had polished the bottom of the can with the finest steel wool (0000) for about 10 minutes. Then, using a small bit of rolled-up mugwort for tinder, he would have it smoking within three seconds and have a coal within 10 seconds. Point the bottom of the can toward the sun; then, move your tinder near the bottom of the can, watching for the point on the tinder where the light focuses to a point. When you find that point, keep your tinder there until you get your coal. This is akin to making a fire with a magnifying glass, except you are not focusing the light through the lens; rather, you are focusing the

THE VERY BOTTOM OF AN ALUMINUM CAN IS NOT A TRUE PARABOLIC DISH, BUT WHEN HIGHLY POLISHED, IT CAN BE USED TO FOCUS THE SUN’S RAYS TO A POINT AND IGNITE TINDER. [ASGMAG.COM] AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE

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‹ Left: The can is held in place over the fire with a cord tied to the opener tab. ‹ Right: The author gets a fire going so he can boil the water in the can to make it safer to drink. (Photo: Helen Nyerges)

‹ Left: All biological contaminants are killed by the time the water boils. A discarded can such as this might prevent a lost hiker from drinking contaminated water or becoming dehydrated.

‹ Below, left: To make a water filter, begin by cutting off the top of the aluminum can so you can fill it with your filter media. ‹ Below, right: Using an awl (or nail), punch small holes in the bottom of the can to let the filtered water out.

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light back up to a single point. PURIFY WATER One of the most important skills in the backcountry is the ability to purify your water. If you’re just out for the day without all your normal equipment, you might not have a water filter or purification pills. Fill the aluminum can with your suspect water and bring it to a boil over a fire. Boiling will kill any biological contaminants that might make you sick. Of course, if the water has “stuff” in it, by all means, first pour the water through a cloth. COOK YOUR SOUP You can take the top off the can and use it as a small coffee or soup pot. Punch two holes in the rim at the top so you can add a wire and suspend it over the fire. Even if you don’t have your Swiss Army knife for cutting the top off the can, aluminum is so soft that you could actually use a sharpened stick or pointed stone for this job. WATER FILTER If, for some reason, you can’t get a fire going, or if a fire would reveal your whereabouts, you can use that aluminum can for a makeshift water filter. Punch little holes into the bottom of the can and cut off the top of the can. A variety of filter materials have been tested, such as packing the can with clean socks. As a result of experiments that were done in Great Britain by Stefan Kallman in the 1980s, he found he could create a reasonable water filter with an old aluminum can. He cut the top off the can, punched holes in the bottom and added sphagnum moss to the bottom. He then filled the bulk of the can with a blend of charcoal, peat and more sphagnum and added

‹ Stuff the can with available filter materials that will give you the best chance of removing at least the large contaminants. In this case, cotton fabric is used. If possible, put fine sand or crushed charcoal in the fabric to enhance its filtration properties. ‹ Slowly pour your suspect water through the “filter” to improve your chances of avoiding a waterborne illness. If necessary, you should consider doing this process multiple times.

a thin layer of small pebbles to the top. These ingredients are available in the U.K but not necessarily everywhere. Hopefully, you’ll be able to find suitable substitutes. Other filters could be clean sand mixed with a bit of charcoal or the aforementioned clean socks (or other porous fabric that can be packed into the can). A filter such as this cannot be expected to be 100 percent effective, but it can help to remove some contaminants from the water. CANDLE HOLDER LANTERN I have seen several versions of candle lanterns that use a beer can, but the easiest is to simply cut two “doors” into the can and set a candle into the can securely with a bit of hot wax. You then use the pull tab on the top to hang the lantern wherever you want it. The doors can be adjusted so that the light reflects where you want it. This will also help protect the candle from the wind. Another version is to punch a hole in the bottom and push a regular candle through that hole. As it burns, you periodically push it upward. SIGNALING MIRROR It’s easy to make an emergency signaling mirror from an aluminum can. Just cut a circle or a square from the can. Aluminum is soft, and you can do this with the scissors on your Swiss Army knife or with any knife. If you’ve ever used a regular signaling mirror, you know that it helps to have a little hole in the middle of the mirror to sight through. Make a small hole in the piece of aluminum so you can attempt to observe your intended target. If the sun is in the ideal spot in the sky, and if the person flying overhead happens to be looking your way, they will hopefully notice your signal and

AN ALUMINUM CAN IS ONE OF THOSE MULTIPURPOSE OBJECTS THAT CAN LITERALLY BE A LIFESAVER IF YOU’RE LOST OR STRANDED.

‹ Above: To make a candle lantern from an aluminum can, first mark the can as shown (left). Then, cut the can along the line—a vertical cut from top to bottom and horizontal slits at the top and bottom of the vertical cut (right).

‹ Left: Thread a wire or string through the opener tab to hang the can lantern where you need it.

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ANOTHER VERSION IS TO PUNCH A HOLE IN THE BOTTOM AND PUSH A REGULAR CANDLE THROUGH THAT HOLE. AS IT BURNS, YOU PERIODICALLY PUSH IT UPWARD. send someone to your rescue. Your makeshift aluminum can signaling mirror doesn’t have to be round, but at least round off the corners if it’s a square. Roll the edges so you’re not holding a piece of metal that could cut your hand. WHISTLE A little whistle can be made from two rectangular pieces cut from an aluminum can. Each piece should be about ¼ to ½ inch wide, with one piece about 1½ inches long and the other about 3 inches long. Place the shorter piece perpendicularly across the long piece near one end, as for a cross. Then fold the shorter piece backward to wrap it around the longer piece. Be careful to allow some space for your breath to flow between the two pieces. Then, fold about ¼ inch of the end of the longer piece back toward the wrapper you just made without covering it. You’ve now created the little slot through which you blow for a whistle. Fold the long piece at a 90-degree angle

‹ Left: This can has two “doors” for the lantern. They can be used as reflectors or to protect the candle from the wind. ‹ Right: You can place a votive or other small, long-burning candle in the lantern and hang it where needed. Be sure to fix it to the bottom of the can with hot wax so it won’t become a fire hazard if the wind upsets the lantern.

‹ Left: If you only have longer candles, cut an “X” into the bottom of the can and push the candle up into the lantern as it burns down. The X will make it easier to adjust the hole to the diameter of the candle.

‹ Left: Cut a rectangular piece of aluminum out of the can for a makeshift signaling mirror. Put a small sighting hole in the piece of aluminum so you can track your target more accurately.

‹ Right: Flatten the piece of aluminum to use it like a regular signal mirror. The hole allows you to sight the plane or potential rescuer when trying to reflect sunlight at them with the shiny aluminum.

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› Left: With these two small strips of aluminum and some effort, you can make a little whistle that can be heard at greater distances than your voice. › Center: Place the shorter strip over the longer strip in a cross shape. › Right: Bend the top of the vertical strip back on itself. This is the rear view. This folded section becomes the mouthpiece where you blow through the pieces of aluminum.

just behind the wrapper. Then, fold it in the opposite direction into segments about ½ inch long at 90-degree angles. When you’re finished, the entire piece should look like the letter “P” from the side (study the accompanying pictures on this page). Make sure the little opening is big enough to blow through and tweak it until it works—being careful about how you put this piece up to your lips. If you practice with this a bit, you have a good chance of creating a functional whistle. On the other hand, acorn caps and grass blades also make serviceable whistles. The sound of the whistle travels much farther than the human voice, and this can be a lifesaver in an emergency. (You knew you should have included a whistle in your survival kit— but you didn’t. Now is the time to improvise.) ‹ Above: Roll the lower flap back so that its end meets the mouthpiece.

LEAVE A NOTE You’re lost, with nothing to write on—but you have an aluminum can. You can cut a piece out of it and write a note on it for other people to read. You don’t need a pencil; just find a solid, thin stick or pointed stone to emboss your message or drawing into the aluminum. Hang your note in a prominent place for others to see whatever you need to communicate. The piece of aluminum will be shiny and more obvious than a paper note, which might get blown away or rained on. This is akin to the aluminum tags gardeners use to mark their trees and other plants. To increase its chances of being seen, tie some other pieces of the can to the string so they bang together in a breeze or wind. In your travels, you’ll probably come up with some other uses for aluminum cans, such as a collector for a solar still, a source for making some basic cutting tools or field-expedient fasteners, and many others. Ultimately, the point of this article is to get you thinking about all the secondary uses to which raw materials such as aluminum cans can be applied.

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‹ Above, right: The author’s friend, Seth, tries the whistle. Note its shape and that he’s very careful when putting the whistle up to his lips.

‹ Need to leave a note? Cut a piece of aluminum, scratch your note on it, and hang it in a conspicuous spot. It won’t blow away like a piece of paper, and rain won’t damage it.

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PRACTICAL AND MULTI-FUNCTIONAL SWISS ARMY KNIVES BY REUBEN BOLIEU

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‹ A decision between the corkscrew or Phillips screwdriver is what most model choices come down to. Each has its uses, although the corkscrew is more versatile and holds a Victorinox eyeglass screwdriver.

FAMED SAK The popular reality TV show, Survivorman, showed star Les Stroud using a Victorinox Huntsman knife for most of season 2 in harsh environments on some very intricate projects. He made shelter, fire, traps and all sorts of camp craft with only his Swiss Army knife. MacGyver's Swiss Army knife went through a few changes over the early episodes. His first and most-often-used knife was a Tinker model from Victorinox. In "Thief of Budapest," he

‹ Below: Quite possibly the most recognizable knives in the world, Victorinox Swiss Army knives are renowned for their quality and versatility.

he iconic little red knife with a cross and shield, known as the Swiss Army knife (SAK), has been around for more than 130 years. No matter how big or small, a SAK has always been considered a multi-tool of sorts, even though it is more knife-based than a typical Leatherman-style multi-tool. Featuring a broad array of sizes and tool options, there definitely is a SAK—possibly two or three—for everyone!

gave it away and, in the next episode, he is shown using a Traveler model from Wenger. In 1986, after a previous procurement of the Master Craftsman by NASA for official use by its astronauts, Victorinox started manufacturing the Astronaut model with the same tool configuration. This model was also later sold with special handles that featured a metal inlaid image of the space shuttle, causing some to refer to the knife as the “Space Shuttle” model.

... THE SWISS ARMY KNIFE (SAK), HAS BEEN AROUND FOR MORE THAN 130 YEARS. NO MATTER HOW BIG OR SMALL, A SAK HAS ALWAYS BEEN CONSIDERED A MULTI-TOOL OF SORTS ...

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VICTORINOX AND WENGER

‹ The author first fell in love with the Victorinox flagship knife, the Swiss Champ. The Swiss Champ does it all and is well worth the weight and bulk.

The Victorinox Master Craftsman is a 91mm Swiss Army knife with Cellidor (organic thermoplastic) scales. It's one of the smaller knives to contain both the metal file/hacksaw, as well as the wood saw. The last-known variations offer five tools on the back of this medium-sized package, resulting in a very high tool density.

Until about 10 years ago, Wenger and Victorinox operated as separate entities; both companies made Swiss Army knives for decades before merging under one corporate ownership. It was announced some time ago that Wenger’s brand will no longer be seen on Swiss Army knives. Instead, about two-thirds of its active knife models would be rebranded as Victorinox. The remaining knives, many close cousins to Victorinox models, were retired from the line. The brands are merging as “the global fight for survival is getting increasingly fierce,” said Victorinox CEO Carl Elsener in a statement about the business decision. “Many consumers can hardly distinguish between the knife products from Victorinox and Wenger. That’s why we are joining forces and focusing on one brand.”

‹ The Swiss Bianco One-Handed Trekker swaps out the Phillips head screwdriver for the corkscrew, as well as yellow Stay Glow scales that remain illuminated long after the sun goes down.

‹ One of the author’s personal favorites is the Camper. It has all the tools the larger One-Handed Trekker has, except that it swaps out the Phillips screwdriver for the corkscrew.

Astronaut Chris Hadfield used his Master Craftsman to break into Russian space station Mir, because the last crew had sealed up the hatch “just a little too enthusiastically.” The Master Craftsman has been discontinued but is very similar to the Huntsman. CORKSCREW OR PHILLIPS? Often, the deciding factor between two otherwise similar Swiss Army knives is to go with the corkscrew, as on a Camper, Hunter, Huntsman, or with a Phillips screwdriver, as on a Hiker, One-Handed Trekker or Fieldmaster. It is really a matter of taste and which knife does more for you or your company. Most Swiss Army knives have a can opener that is already suited for Phillips-head screwdrivers—but only surface screws, because any screws set deeply inside a project require the slim length of the dedicated Phillips screwdriver. This means having a knife with a Phillips might be more conducive to office and workshop use. Corkscrews are on the official “Boy Scout” model—the Huntsman. (This isn’t to suggest that Boy Scouts will be popping corks while earning their merit badges.) By itself, the corkscrew has many uses that

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› The Victorinox Hunter is a larger, 111mm model with a locking main blade, wood saw and a special serrated gut hook. It also features a combo tool for opening bottles and cans.

BY ITSELF, THE CORKSCREW HAS MANY USES THAT COULD EASILY FILL AN ENTIRE ARTICLE. could easily fill an entire article. I will share three common uses that really make it my first choice over the Phillips these days. For untying knots that are too tight or frozen, a corkscrew can’t be beat. Some people use the awl, but it cuts a bit of the cordage while untying knots. In addition, I found an obscure way of

carrying packages, bags with twine handles and firewood tied together with cordage: wrapping them around the corkscrew and using the knife as a comfortable way to tote things. Victorinox makes a small mini-screwdriver that is perfect for adjusting screws on most eyeglasses and sunglasses. It nestles perfectly in the corkscrew, thus adding yet another tool. Those reasons, as well as the obvious intended use of opening wine bottles (and making friends while traveling by providing a way to get their celebration going) make a corkscrew a viable tool. REAL-WORLD USE I have been using Swiss Army knives for more than 20 years in the woods, at home and on my travels to more than 60 countries. They are super easy to sharpen, widely recognizable by officials abroad, easy to replace, are affordable, pocketable—and, most of all, practical. Swiss manufacturing just can’t be beat when it comes to slip-joint folding knives, watches ... and chocolate (in my opinion). I was first exposed to the practical, real-world applications of Swiss Army knives by watching

‹ The One-Handed Trekker has been with the author on at least three Amazon jungle trips, as well as countless backpacking trips. It has all that the Hiker has but is larger and has a locking flathead screwdriver and one-handed blade.

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› Near right: A little work with the small SAK saw and main blade is usually all that is necessary to make preparations for a fire.

› Far right: Here, the types of tasks a Swiss Army knife awl, saw and main blade can do, including drilling into wood and sawing branches for making splits and trap notches. The main blade can make long, fine, curly fuzz sticks.

the late Ron Hood of the Woodsmaster series on VHS. Ron and his wife, Karen, used a Huntsman and Rucksack for camp crafts such as drilling through wood, antler and bone with the awl. They sawed through bone and wood with the famed SAK saw, cleaning fish and making traps, and did all things for camp and survival. In addition to Ron’s large knife and handy, smaller fixed blade, he used a Swiss Army knife. I followed suit. Of course, I went big! I opted for the thick Swiss Champ for woods use and to accompany me on my trips abroad. It has served me well for many years. However, for woods use, the thickness was too much like holding a deck of cards, only thicker. I went with the smaller, more-manageable Hiker/ Camper models for real woods use, for which a main blade, saw and awl were the most useful tools for me. Light weight and the ability to be stashed are important considerations during

TRAVELING WITH A SWISS ARMY KNIFE ‹ Below: While camping in the eastern Sierra Mountains, the author used only his Swiss Army Hiker during the entire trip. It proved to be all that was needed.

In my travels, I have never seen an officer or government official look sideways at me for using or having in my possession a Swiss Army knife. Even in countries where knives are not allowed in checked luggage that is coming in, they are widely accepted. For some reason, the red knife and shield instantly disarm people, putting them at ease. In the Philippines, where knife carry is not permitted in cities, I asked a police officer if my Wenger Traveler knife was OK. He said, “Of course it’s OK. It’s not a weapon; it’s a Swiss Army knife! All travelers have them.” Some countries have X-ray machines located inside the airport entry for departures. These machines are used to screen for weapons and drugs. Even so, I have never been singled out for having a Swiss Army knife—only for small fixed blades, which are considered weapons (daggers) by them.

‹ Above: In the extreme winter, the author forgoes a fixed blade and uses the heavier H&B Large Camp Axe, along with a bow saw and Swiss Army knife. It keeps weight down and relies on the axe’s many uses for some fixed-blade work. The SAK does all the food prep and utility, along with the wood feathering for a fire.

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THE LITTLE, RED KNIFE THAT CAN DO ALMOST ANYTHING HAS TURNED INTO A GLOBAL ICON WITH AS MUCH STAYING POWER AS ITS UTILITY. woods travel. On my first trip down and up the Grand Canyon, my first and second climbs of Mount Whitney, through the deserts of Arizona, Nevada and the Middle East, as well as on every jungle trek through the Philippines, Thailand and the Peruvian rain forest, a Swiss Army knife was always with me. As a matter of fact, there is one in my pocket as I write this.

‹ The larger, 111mm SAK knives feature a 3½-inch wood saw that is second to none for utility at its size. It is always sharp and doubles as a fire steel striker on the spine of the saw.

‹ Above: The awl/reamer is drilling a hole into a can of refried beans to hang over the fire with a length of wire. By using a baton and the can opener blade, the author was able to cut the wire.

› Right: The perfect tinder- and kindling-maker—the Camper model—basks in a sea of fuzz sticks created with its large main blade. The “V-grind” is perfect for this task because of the thin edge geometry.

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A PLETHORA OF USES Here are some useful ways I have used Swiss Army knives that have proved them to be all-purpose woods, survival and fieldcraft knives over the years. Starting with the super-sharp main blade, the edge is thin and narrow, making it ideal for intricate carving and whittling. This one tool is responsible for making more fires possible than any other knife I own. Its thin edge makes the curliest, thinnest, longest fuzz sticks for tinder and kindling for starting a fire. I list these as two separate elements, because they are. Tinder must be thin and have lots of surface area to catch a spark from a ferrocerium rod. The SAK blade can do that—with a lot of control. The main blade (91mm and up) is perfect for stirring coffee, slicing meat and vegetables for stews, spreading butter, cleaning fish and game, as well as carving cooking utensils. And, it requires nothing more than a quick dunk and whooshing around in a creek to clean it. The large bottle opener/flathead screwdriver does a lot of work, not only popping caps off bottled beverages, but also serving as a light pry bar tool (within reason). Another place it proves to be useful is for splitting small, dry rounds of wood—from finger to broomstick thickness. By jamming the flathead into an existing crack and giving it a twist, it splits the wood to help it burn better. The bottle opener is also a natural hook for carrying hot pots and kettles by their bales. I had a friend modify the straight portion of my flathead to a 90-degree flat edge for striking a ferrocerium rod. On some larger 111mm models, the flathead/bottle opener actually locks into place, making it better for all the tasks mentioned.

› Near right: Here is a quick and easy spatula made with the Swiss Army Camper. Camp craft is never as easy as when you have the right tools.

› Far right: The author used the SAK saw to cut into some thick wood for splitting. Sawing one-third to one-half of the way through a branch will help split the wood when it is banged against a stump or boulder.

FAVORITE FEATURES One of the most-loved features on any SAK is the awl/reamer positioned on the back of most models. It has made many holes for me on leather belts and axe sheaths over the years. When making cooking utensils and some traps (mainly Ojibwe bird traps), a hole is a must, and the awl is the first step in achieving this. From there, the hole can be widened with the small and larger blades. Drilling through antler, wood and bone for making buttons is best done with the awl. I have also used the awl for poking holes in bamboo and plastic water bottles for making water filters during survival classes. When cooking containers are scarce, I will cook in a food can, itself, especially if I am making beans or soup. I use the awl to drill holes on either side of the can and then run a small length of wire through to make a bale for hanging it over the fire or sitting it in the coals. The wire bale is an easy way to lift and reposition the can. In some cases, the awl makes a good striker for a ferrocerium rod, but the awl is often positioned on the back middle, which is a strange place for it to be used in such a way. The Farmer, Pioneer and Electrician models feature the awl at the end of the tool, much like the can opener (which is in the perfect position for use as a striker). For me, no Swiss Army knife is “woods-worthy” unless it has a wood saw. It is small and very effective. I compare every folding saw to the SAK saw, which is usually only 2¾ to 3¼ inches long on 91mm and 111mm SAK knives. The utility of a small saw for making notches and fine, precise cuts cannot be overstated. I found a great way to split wood by making a series of cuts on a length of wood about one-third to one-half the way through the wood and then whacking it over a large rock or

dead tree stump. It will create a split and expose the drier wood inside. This is a good technique for splitting damp wood for a fire and to get at some dry kindling. On the topic of fire: The saw teeth are very good at fraying out tinder such as poplar bark, cedar bark and cotton, especially when treated with Vaseline, because it needs to be frayed out to create surface area to catch a spark. As if the saw weren’t amazing enough, it just happens to be the best striker for a ferrocerium rod I have come across. However, it doesn’t lock and can be a dangerous way to cut yourself if it is not used at the correct angle. I use leather gloves when holding the SAK and using its saw blade as a striker. However, here is a tip to help stay safe: Place a small stick in the palm as a safety lock while doing this; either perpendicular to, or parallel with, the handle will work. GLOBAL ICON Arguably the most well-known family of knives in the world is able to build a raft, perform camp crafts, clean fish and game, maintain the workplace and do so much more. The Swiss Army knife has shown no sign of slowing down in popularity. There is no reason why one shouldn’t be in everyone’s utility drawer, glove compartment, survival kit or pocket. The little, red knife that can do almost anything has turned into a global icon with as much staying power as its utility.

‹ Above: In the camp kitchen, the author used only the Camper model to make a stew of chicken, potatoes, onions, tomatoes and carrots. The stainless steel makes it easy to clean, too.

S O U R C E Victorinox Swiss Army (800) 442-2706 www.Victorinox.com

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GO SILENT AND BE UNFINDABLE. BY BRIAN M. MORRIS

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... I WOULD MOVE TO A REMOTE LOCATION DEEP IN THE WILDERNESS AND LIVE OFF THE LAND, SUPPLEMENTED BY THE SURVIVAL GEAR AND SUPPLIES I WOULD TAKE WITH ME.

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ou often hear about people saying they are going to go off the grid where nobody will find them. But how does one go off the grid in today’s technologically advanced, interconnected world without being found? I will start by saying that to do it successfully, disappearing off the grid will take time. You need to slowly distance yourself from friends and family until there is no expectation on anyone’s part that you are going to try to contact them anytime soon. This will help reduce the chances of anyone coming to look for you. Generally speaking, on the upper end of the capability spectrum, only agencies or entities in the various levels of government, both American and foreign, and some corporations have access to the technology to find you from any sort of electronic or technological signature you might be emitting. On the lower end of the spectrum, anyone can use social media and Internet sites to find out more about you and see things such as where a phone call originated from. So, as a rule of thumb, the more you are “connected,” the more chances there are that you will be found through the use of technology.

‹ Below: Not everyone has the skillset or the desire to isolate themselves from society or to leverage natural resources in order to stay alive.

If someone told me I needed to get off the map and disappear immediately, the first thing I would do is pull the proverbial “plug.” I would close all my social media accounts and disconnect every electronic device I own to remove any source of power to those items. Next, I would move to a remote location deep in the wilderness and live off the land, supplemented by the survival gear and

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the only real alternative would be to do the best job you can at disguising your appearance and identity and then stay away from anything that requires you to use your real name. Unlike living in the bush, you’ll need to buy things to keep going. This means you’ll need to stick to cash to make your purchases or figure out how to discreetly trade for your necessities.

THE NUMBER OF PUBLIC AND PRIVATE LOCATIONS COVERED BY VIDEO SURVEILLANCE HAS INCREASED SO MUCH THAT IT IS NEARLY IMPOSSIBLE TO GO ANYWHERE WITHOUT BECOMING PART OF A VIDEO RECORD.

‹ Above, left: Go rural early. Between cameras at corporate and small businesses, traffic and security street cams, and home security cameras, you would be smart to stay away from built-up areas. And if you’re not careful, you might even be caught in someone else’s photo or video. ‹ Above, right: Change your appearance as much as possible if you don’t want to be recognized.

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GO ... WHERE? If you truly don’t want to be found, your off-grid location can’t belong to you or be associated with your name or any of your family or close friends. I would suggest relocating to remote state or federal forests/ protected land, because it is often best to hide right under your adversary’s nose. But you have to go deep in and leave a low “signature” of your presence. Beware of making any contact with park rangers and anyone else, because contact with anyone can lead to your being found. Not everyone is skilled enough, or even willing, to live alone in the wilderness. Consequently,

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supplies I would take with me. Additionally, if you own your off-grid location, or if someone you know owns the property, it can lead a persistent pursuer to you. But not everyone has the desire to isolate themselves from society or the skillset to leverage natural resources in order to stay alive and thrive in a completely new way of life. Even for me, a former U.S. Army SERE instructor, it would take a lot to resort to such extreme measures, drop everything and totally disconnect from everyone I know and love.

‹ If you’re able to work around security cameras in train and bus stations, these modes of transportation can be good ways to go longer distances in relative anonymity.

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› You need to stay away from credit or debit cards and stick to cash for all purchases you make if your intent is to not be found. Using plastic is like providing a road map that leads directly to you for anyone who is looking.

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HACKS FOR HIDING Here are some do’s and don’ts, as well as some of the items you should ditch prior to going off the grid and for as long as you intend to stay off the grid: Keep your mouth shut! Two people can keep a secret—if one of them is dead—so severely limit to the absolute minimum people who know where you are going. Even then, unless your confidant is joining you, don’t tell anyone where you are going or what your plan is. Cash money. Assuming you have time, slowly withdraw cash from all your accounts until they are empty. Then, close them. You need to understand that part of going silent is to be a “cash-only” person from that day forward. That means if you receive a pension or get settlement money, child support or an inheritance, none of those funds will be available to you. This is one of the reasons going off the grid and disappearing is so difficult to do these days and why making this decision is such a hard thing to do. Unless one moves to the boonies, the amount of time a person is capable of staying off the grid is directly proportional to the amount of cash in their possession. Debit and credit cards. Every time you use an ATM machine or buy something in a store, you leave a video and electronic footprint that you were there. This allows anyone who might be searching for you to draw a virtual road map of your travels and identify the location of your latest transaction. That’s the reason your best bet is to plan your disappearance in as much detail, and as far in advance, as possible. You should purchase your gear and supplies from multiple locations with cash. Spread those purchases out over weeks or months, if feasible. Again, time is your friend in this case, because buying the gear you need slowly over time won’t leave as pronounced a signature as if you spent $5K in one trip to REI. Cruising garage sales and flea markets is a great way to get what you need, avoid

EVERY TIME YOU USE AN ATM MACHINE OR BUY SOMETHING IN A STORE, YOU LEAVE A VIDEO AND ELECTRONIC FOOTPRINT THAT YOU WERE THERE. THIS ALLOWS ANYONE WHO MIGHT BE SEARCHING FOR YOU TO DRAW A VIRTUAL ROAD MAP OF YOUR TRAVELS AND IDENTIFY THE LOCATION OF YOUR LATEST TRANSACTION.

cameras and save money while paying cash for everything. Surveillance cameras. Facial recognition technology has come a very long way since it was first introduced. The number of public and private locations covered by video surveillance has increased so much that it is nearly impossible to go anywhere without becoming part of a video record. Because video files can be analyzed with facial recognition software, try to stick to routes and areas where you’ll be less likely to encounter this equipment. If you have to go to areas that have cameras, disguise or distort your appearance so that if/when you are captured on video, it will be difficult, if not impossible, to recognize you. Private transportation. If you have a later-model vehicle, you might not realize it has certain anti-theft and/or emergency alert hardware that allows it to emit a signal giving the © GETTY IMAGES

In a dire emergency that requires you to contact someone, you can use prepaid cell phones—but remember that they can be traced back to the closest cell tower to where you made your calls. Another option might be to use a “cut-out,” or mutually trusted intermediary, to be your connection with others so there is no direct link to your location.

› Just like smart watches and smart phones, laptops and other devices that transmit and receive external data are susceptible to having their locations tracked.

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› Right: You’ll need a dependable way to find your destination and maneuver in the area after you abandon modern conveniences. Basic navigation skills will be a minimum requirement if you are to succeed in the bush.

› Right: If your plan is to disappear into the wilderness, make sure the area you choose and its challenges fall within your scope of wilderness survival skills.

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‹ Above, left: Most new cars and some old ones have tracking devices installed in them. Some are factory installed, and some were placed there later. Do a thorough inspection of your vehicle. Know what features it came with and how to disable anything you don’t want working.

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vehicle’s exact location. In some cases, it also has the ability to let others talk or listen to you—theoretically without you knowing about it. If you don’t know how to disable or remove that hardware but you’re concerned that this technology will lead to your discovery before you can be found by a simple vehicle description and your license plate number, I suggest you leave the loaded SUV behind. Find a dependable older vehicle that fits your needs but pre-dates the “big brother” package. Of prime importance is to make sure your vehicle is in good running condition. Reduce the chances of a traffic stop by having all the lights and other things that make it street

‹ Above: Until you can build a more permanent shelter, a good tent that is big enough for you and all your gear is a smart investment. Because tents are not normally constructed for long-term use, be prepared to make repairs. ‹ Left: The type and amount of gear and supplies you bring will have a critical impact on your chances of survival if you plan to spend an extended period of time in the wilderness.

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‹ Right: A picture is worth 1,000 words— and it often reveals clues that either lead to you or to people who know you. If you don’t want to leave a trail, destroy all the pictures you don’t take with you.

legal operating at 100 percent. If practical, travel with enough fuel to get you to where you are going with minimal stops. Also, use back roads; main roads, toll plazas and overpasses often possess cameras that will record you and your license plate number and indicate your direction of travel. Public transportation. I’ll assume you won’t be using taxis or Uber because of the cost and intimacy with the driver, so let’s talk about subways, trains and buses. You’ll have to pass more cameras to access all of these, and many of these vehicles have cameras as well. If you’re able to work around the cameras, then subways, trains and buses are good ways to go longer distances in relative anonymity. It is much harder to leave a trail to follow when traveling on a bus or a train.

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‹ Far left: Public transportation may be relatively inexpensive and convenient, but you might as well be on a movie set, what with all the cameras in the stations and the vehicles.

‹ Near left: If you are concerned about someone having the capability of tracking the location of your smart phone or watch, these are the first items you should get rid of.

The level of concern about being traced is dependent on the level of capability possessed by the person or people from whom you are trying to disappear. Watches and smart phones. “Smart” phones and watches do a great job of keeping you connected with friends, family and the world. They provide a plethora of other useful functions, including GPS technology. That’s all well and good for the connected person, but the GPS can help others zero in on your location, whether you want them to or not. If your plan allows you to have access to the cell system, and you can’t bear to live without their "smart" capabilities, acquire a phone that won’t have your identity attached to it. And it would still be a good idea to know how to counter its GPS capabilities to reduce the chance your device will be traced. Internet. Accessing the Internet will provide a knowledgeable pursuer with a path to your doorstep. Tablets, laptops, PCs, smart phones and any electronic device that enables you to connect to the Internet can undo all the efforts you made to prevent others from finding out where you are. Photographs. You need to consider the “five Ws”—who, what, where, when and why—when it comes to photographs. If anything in a photo of you at your new location answers one or more of these questions, it can be used to locate you or others who might know where you are. If you don’t want to leave that "breadcrumb" behind, try to eliminate any traces of that picture. The best policy is to not take photos of yourself or leave any photos you’ve taken on devices over

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which you might lose control. DISAPPEARING AND STAYING GONE Summing it up: If you are determined to go silent and not be found, your first step should be to develop a detailed plan that outlines how you will change every aspect of your life into your new identity. Then, steadily disconnect yourself from all services, systems, and electronic gadgets and tools with connections to the Internet or electronic databases and avoid being filmed by all cameras and other surveillance systems. Once you’re satisfied that’s been achieved, you have a choice to either travel deep into the wilderness and live off the land, leaving as low a signature as possible, or find someplace to live where you can pay cash to live and do your best to stay under the numerous types of “radar” associated with even basic civilization. If the latter is your choice, investigate and execute ways to change or disguise your appearance as much as possible. Wigs, clothing, makeup, prosthetics, posture and other creative methods will help you do a decent job of this without spending a fortune. The information in this article is a good start, but there is a lot more to disappearing— and staying gone—than most people have ever thought of, and each situation is unique. I hope nothing in your life is ever so catastrophic that you have to vanish and not be found. Nevertheless, if this is the case, I hope this article helps you accomplish your goal.

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PREPARE FOR THE WINDS OF CHANGE BASIC READINESS ADVICE FOR HURRICANE SEASON BY BRIAN MORRIS

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hurricane is a massive, rotating, low-pressure weather system. These cyclonic giants can grow to more than 120 miles wide and move along the ground with speeds from 0 to more than 34 mph and rotation speeds from 74 to more than 157 mph. Hurricane season is an annual occurrence where these tropical monsters are formed in both the Northern and Southern hemispheres. The Atlantic and Central Pacific hurricane seasons officially begin on June 1 and run through November 30. The Eastern Pacific typhoon season, which covers the Pacific coast of the United States, runs from May 15 through the end of November. When it comes to dealing with hurricanes, the key is in the preparation. If you live in a hurricane-prone area, you should have a standard evacuation plan, a go-bag with the necessities you’ll need while you’re away from home for a prolonged period of time, escape routes, multiple safe destinations, a dependable vehicle that’s ready to make the trip and a link-up plan for loved ones who need to evacuate from other locations. If you live in an area that has been designated as an evacuation zone, you are most likely aware of the risks to your choice of domicile. High winds, flying debris, storm surge and flooding are among the greatest dangers your home will face. While no one can physically force you to leave your home, it is highly advised that you take seriously a mandatory evacuation order. If one is called for your area, prepare your home for the storm and leave the area for a safe destination as quickly as possible. Nothing in your home is worth dying for. Those who live in areas that can be affected by hurricanes should start the preparation process long before

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the start of the season—before hardware stores run low on, or out of, vital materials needed to protect your home and property. If possible, you should pre-cut sheets of 4x8 plywood for boarding up your windows to speed the process when the time comes. Other materials to have on hand include plastic sheeting, screws, bolts, tarps, chainsaw blades and lube, and other essentials. Additionally, if you own pets, you should have a plan to take them with you when you evacuate. Finally, before you leave, secure loose debris, lawn furniture and anything else that can become a lethal projectile. When you are about to evacuate, make sure you turn off your natural gas supply prior to leaving your home. People who do not live in evacuation zones are not out of harm’s way. Hurricane paths are not readily predictable and can be quite destructive, even hundreds of miles from where they make landfall and meander over land. They are capable of producing heavy rains and flooding, as well as lightning storms, hazardous winds and even tornados over a wide area. These storms can knock out power for millions of people who live within the affected area. Once the storm passes, you might not be able to get back to your home to assess the damage right away. Depending on the level of damage, it could take some time for local, state and federal emergency responders to inspect the path of destruction. To ensure the safest possible environment, they need to determine that there are no structural issues, downed power lines, gas leaks or other public safety hazards the storm might have created. In most cases, there will be a period of time when there is no electrical power, gas service or potable water in the area of impact, so include some extra time for the local situation to improve when you plan your return trip home.

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