August 2017

DON’T MISS: SECRETS TO BLEND IN AFTER A CRISIS HITS

GET THESE SURVIVAL MOVIES FOR A NIGHT IN

IN THIS ISSUE:

AUGUST 2017

LEARN HOW TO BE A DEFENSIVE SHOOTER

BUGGING OUT THE RIGHT WAY TO SURVIVE

GET STARTED AS A SURVIVALIST

AVOID ATTENTION AFTER THE SHTF

TRAIN YOUR DOG TO BE YOUR WINGMAN

WOULD YOU SURVIVE A WILD FIRE? and more…

VIP SURVIVAL ACADEMY - AUGUST 2017

Contents

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FEATURED

LEARN HOW TO BE A DEFENSIVE SHOOTER Congratulations. Buying your first gun is a major milestone in your journey towards being prepared, as it arms you with one of the deadliest weapons available…

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TRAINING YOUR DOG TO BE YOUR SURVIVAL WINGMAN I've always been a dog person. We had dogs growing up, and now I've got my own. He comes with me almost everywhere I go, and I'd seriously recommend all survivalists consider…

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HOW TO GET STARTED AS A SURVIVALIST The fundamental reason I believe everyone needs to start preparing to survive is that disasters happen. An earthquake could strike, a wildfire, or even localized flooding…

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BUILDING A CAMPSITE TO SURVIVE WET WEATHER I love the rain. It helps keep my garden watered, and of course gives us plenty to drink. But it's not always a good thing, especially when you're spending your time in the outdoors…

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MY FAVORITE SURVIVAL MOVIES FOR A NIGHT IN I love the outdoors almost as much as I love survival, and it crosses over to every aspect of my life. Especially, a good survival flick. Perhaps it's being able to break down everything...

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AVOIDING ATTENTION AFTER THE SHTF It's inevitable that you're going to live through some form of disaster in your life. And for the most part, most people are going to survive the initial crisis. But that's not the scary part…

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SECRETS TO “BLEND IN” WHEN A CRISIS HITS After a disaster, the last thing you want to do is stand out. Because you'll look like a target, and that's going to draw all the wrong kinds of attention to you and your family…

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WOULD YOU SURVIVE A WILD FIRE? There's just one problem with the warm, sunny days of summer. The heat leads to one inevitable disaster. Fire. If your home is anywhere near natural bushland or heavily forested areas...

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BUGGING OUT THE RIGHT WAY TO SURVIVE As a survivalist there's always more that we could do. Even with the best laid plans I truly believe that if the SHTF tomorrow, there'd be things you do wrong. There'd be plenty of things…

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VIP SURVIVAL ACADEMY - AUGUST 2017

LEARN HOW TO BE A DEFENSIVE SHOOTER Congratulations. Buying your first gun is a major milestone in your journey towards being prepared, as it arms you with one of the deadliest weapons available. But owning a gun isn't the important part. The trick is knowing how to use it properly, in a selfdefensive situation, so you can protect yourself and your family from harm. Without the right training, you'll dramatically increase the chances you'll actually hurt yourself, or a loved one with the gun you've just bought. Scary right? But there's some good news. All it takes to become proficient with your gun is to get a little training. Put in the hours with a good instructor on the shooting range and you'll quickly grow confident with your new gun, and be in a much better position to use it to defend yourself. I've spent years handling and shooting guns, and I'd like to share my favorite tips so you can level up your defensive shooting skills as fast as possible. Here's what every new gun owner needs to know. YOU NEED PLENTY OF AMMUNITION Without a ready supply of ammunition,

you're going to be in trouble. You won't have enough bullets to use your gun to f i g h t b a ck , a n d yo u ' l l b e t o o conservative in your training sessions to learn how to shoot properly in the first place. The downside is it's expensive. For me, I started just buying one box a week. Over time, my stockpile grew, and now I have more than enough to put in as much time on the range as I like. With plenty left over for any bad guys knocking on my front door.

as well as the target. It's OK if these are a little blurry, but if you're not able to see either you may need a pair of prescription shooting glasses. I'd also recommend buying a couple of packs of our splatter targets, to help you identify where your shots are landing. It's invaluable when you're just starting out.

YOUR GRIP IS CRITICAL TO GET RIGHT

In the movies, you'll often see the hero closing one eye as they line up to take that last final shot. Don't do this.

Get an instructor to show you the right way to hold your gun before you start shooting it. It'll help you remember the correct positioning of your fingers, and ensure you don't start developing any bad habits from the start. Both of your hands should be wrapped around the grip of the gun, with your thumbs pointing forward. Bringing the gun to eye level should allow you the see straight down the sights and aim at your target. YO U R F O C U S I S O N T H E FRONT SIGHT As you line up your gun to the target, you want to align the front and rear sights on your gun. The trick is to focus on the front sight only, and use your peripheral vision to align the back sight

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YOU NEED TO SHOOT WITH YOUR EYES OPEN

“for anyone interested in survival.. practice with their guns more..

VIP SURVIVAL ACADEMY - AUGUST 2017 cont. Closing one eye not only cuts down on your field of vision, it fatigues your face and stops you being able to properly focus on the target. If you're not able to shoot with both eyes open, you can try squinting your non-dominant eye, but do your best to keep them open. YOU NEED TO KEEP YOUR FINGER INDEXED The only time your finger should ever touch the trigger is when you're about to fire a shot. At all other times, it needs to be indexed. Which means you've got your trigger finger resting on the frame of your gun, (above the trigger guard) at all times, until you want to shoot. It's a basic rule of gun safety, as too many accidents occur when shooters don't follow simple rules like these. YOU NEED TO UNDERSTAND YOUR GUN I am pedantic about keeping my guns cleaned and maintained. To the point where I now clean them after every session shooting at the range. It's overkill I know, but it's imperative you know how your gun works, how to keep it in good working order, and how to clear any jams or malfunctions so you can continue to fight back against your attackers. Most jams can be cleared by tapping the magazine and racking the slide to eject the failed round, or you can try reloading the magazine altogether. YOU NEED TO PRACTICE Ultimately, becoming a good shooter comes down to practice. But that doesn't mean just firing off thousands of rounds willy-nilly in your local shooting range. You need to do targeted lessons, that focus on specific techniques you will need to master if you want to be effective with your gun. Some of my favorites are as follows. TRAIN TO HAVE A STEADY SHOT The secret to good shooting is to keep a calm, controlled confidence in your body as you shoot. There's many things that can impact your ability to relax, but the biggest one I find students struggle with is their reaction to the gunshot. They anticipate the crack of the gun, which causes them to tense, and sometimes even take their eyes from the target. You can practice this by

having a friend swap out some dummy rounds for the live ammunition, and watching your reactions when a dummy round is hit. If you're flinching, you need to continue working on this, so you have no reaction to a real gunshot. TRAIN TO RELOAD YOUR GUN EFFECTIVELY If you're ever in a defensive situation and you need to use your gun, it'll pay to know how to reload it by feel. Just in case. Imagine if you're exchanging gunshots with a criminal in your home, in the middle of the night, but you lose the upper hand as you're not able to reload your gun without seeing what you're doing. My advice is to practice reloading at every chance you get, from swapping out magazines to re-racking your slide. Do it until you're able to perform reloads quickly and effectively, without looking. TRAIN TO SHOOT WITH BOTH HANDS Fo r t h e m o s t p a r t , I ' m m o r e comfortable shooting with a twohanded grip.

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It's more stable, allows for greater accuracy, and I'm much more confident in my abilities when both hands are on the gun. But what if this isn't possible? What if you're in a situation where you need to shoot one handed? That's why you need to practice shooting with both hands. Just in case. You may be struggling with your assailant, or already injured. Put the training in now, so you're able to respond effectively and efficiently to any threat that may arise. If I had a single recommendation for anyone interested in survival, it's to practice with their guns more. You'll build confidence with your firearms, and if you're regularly getting to the shooting range you'll quickly notice how your accuracy and efficiency with the weapons improves. Because the most important thing when it comes to protecting yourself and your loved ones is knowing how to use a gun. Your ability to shoot is what counts. Not the stockpile you've got locked away in the cupboard.

VIP SURVIVAL ACADEMY - AUGUST 2017

TRAINING YOUR DOG TO BE YOUR SURVIVAL WINGMAN I've always been a dog person. We had dogs growing up, and now I've got my own. He comes with me almost everywhere I go, and I'd seriously recommend all survivalists consider adopting a dog of their own. Not only are they a great second set of eyes and ears, but they provide companionship and a loyal friend, who will stick by you no matter what. Trouble is, they need to be trained correctly if you want to get the most out of your dog. I know that in an emergency, I would never leave my dog behind, and I'm guessing for the vast majority of families out there, they feel the same. But in our article today, I'm going to cover the techniques you can use to train your dog to become an asset when the SHTF. Because dog's have pretty good instincts. They know when a situation is a little off, or if someone presents a threat. Naturally, they'll bark at intruders, and you'll read story after story about a dog protecting their family members from all sorts of threats. But barking can also be a danger. Especially if you're trying to stay off the radar or hide, you want your dog to be able to stay quiet on command. The first technique you need to teach is how to speak. Then we'll move on to staying silent. When training your dog, the key is to practice multiple times a day, for just a few minutes at a time. Any longer than 10 minutes is going to get boring for your dog, and the quality of the training will drop. Start with one technique at a time, and once your dog's mastering each, move on to the next. THE STAY COMMAND I'm assuming your dog already knows how to sit, it's one of the most basic commands they should have been taught as a puppy. From here, stay is a simple next step. Once they've successfully "sat," tell them to "STAY"

and after they've held the position for a second or two, reward them with a treat. Repeat until they're able to successfully stay in place for as long as required. THE SPEAK COMMAND There isn't really any real trick to this. Start by acting out a scenario that your dog usually barks at. Like a neighbor coming to your front door. Have a friend knock, and as your dog starts barking, say "SPEAK" in a firm and commanding voice. After your dog barks, give them one treat, and congratulate them in your most excited voice. Repeat until you're able to get your dog to bark without having to knock. Once you're done, it's time to master the knock command. THE QUIET COMMAND Start this session using the speak command you've taught previously. Giving out one treat for each successful bark. Once you've done this four or five times, say "QUIET" and give a quick tug on their leash. Your dog should stop in a little bit of confusion. Now quickly give three treats, and get very excited. This is to start teaching your dog that being quiet has a much higher treat value than barking does. Continue practicing between speak and quiet until you no longer need the leash. As your dog improves, you can stop giving treats altogether for the speak command, and reward only on quiet. THE ABILITY TO CARRY This is especially important if you've got a larger dog, by teaching them to carry their own pack they can help contribute to a successful bug-out by carrying some of the families supplies. Just be careful. Even a couple of extra pounds will wear them out fast, so start adding their carry bags when you take them on their daily walks so they get used to both the bag and any additional weight. The more comfortable they are with this whole process, the easier your bug-out is going to be. TO REFUSE FOOD FROM STRANGERS I shouldn't have to remind you that there will be plenty of dangerous people out there once the SHTF. But they've got to get past your dog first, and the most likely way they'll do that is to poison their food. To combat this, you need to teach your dog to only eat from their food bowl, or your hand. It's

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a long process, and you've got to continually have your friends try to offer your dog food while you dissuade them. Be strict, and use a leash with a sharp "NO" correction until your dog knows the only safe place to eat from is the food you provide. TO ATTACK STRANGERS This last piece of training is the attack. With the right training, your dog can be an asset to you if you're confronted or attacked. Of course, most dog owners today probably don't need this level of aggression in their dogs, but I believe it's money and time well spent. First you want your dog to be able to speak on command. Wearing an attack glove, tap your dog repeatedly on the nose until they get frustrated and bite to glove. As they do, say "ATTACK" and praise them thoroughly with a treat. Repeat until your dog is able to remember that ATTACK means bite the glove. Then step back, and repeat the command, until your dog will charge and bit the glove on command. The next step is to repeat the command, but without the glove. Instead, use a dummy or a large doll, saying "ATTACK" and pointing to the dummy. Your dog will be confused initially, but soon realize to attack the dummy to get the treats. The final step is to get a neighbor to wear the glove and act as an intruder, where you shout "ATTACK." I'd also recommend practicing the stay command throughout the training, as there may be situations where you want to call your dog off, before they attack. Of course, training your dog is no easy feat. You'll need a dedicated effort and a patient hand over weeks and months to get them ready to be a real asset for survival. In my opinion, it's worth it. The added value of another pair of ears and eyes can help you sleep far safer at night, and they'll be one companion you can always rely on.

VIP SURVIVAL ACADEMY - AUGUST 2017 SORT YOUR BUG-OUT-BAG One of the fundamental assets of a survivalist is the bug out bag. Ensure yours contains everything you need to survive up to 3 days without any help from anyone. Which means packing food and water, fire-starting materials and a torch, a way to defend yourself, and some form of shelter from the elements. Oh, and don't forget a comfortable backpack to keep it all in. START STOCKPILING FOOD Now I'm all for having a pantry full of food, but what's most important here is to actually stockpile food you want to eat. I've focused on having food stockpiled that will stay edible for years, but that I can rotate into my families normal eating habits before it expires. Otherwise it's just a waste. BUY THE RIGHT CLOTHING

HOW TO GET STARTED AS A SURVIVALIST Disasters happen. An earthquake could strike, a wildfire, or even localized flooding. But with the right set of supplies and skills, you'll be much better off if one of these events happens.

skills to master, along with the stockpile of supplies my family will need once the SHTF. As the weeks and months pass, I worked to check these off, which helped to keep me motivated.

Of course, depending on where you live there's going to be certain threats that are far more likely to occur. For example, where I live the threat of earthquakes is almost non-existent, but we get battered by big storms, and have had both flooding and wildfires in recent years. So it makes much more sense that my home and family are ready for these disasters, as there's a higher chance they'll reoccur. Prepare for the most likely events, and with a little knowledge you'll probably have a good idea of where you need to begin.

DON'T STOP LEARNING

CREATE A PLAN I don't remember where I heard this one, but it stuck with me. "You don't even know what you don't know." The first step to getting started as a survivalist is to do your research, and come up with a plan. Once you know the kind of disasters you should be preparing for, you can create plans and strategies to overcome them. Of course, creating a plan also requires getting your family on board, so they understand what their role will be when a disaster hits. But don't stop there. In my first plan I outlined a number of

There's always new gear being released, and different ways to make it through a d i s a s t e r. N e ve r s t o p l e a r n i n g. Everything from basic wilderness skills, to the correct way to shoot a gun. There's so much information available, so make use of these resources now, and start practicing their use in real life. FOLLOW THE NEWS The days of waiting for the six o'clock news for the latest updates are over. Subscribe to the local weather alerts with apps in your phone, along with any disaster communication channels. That way, you'll get updated as it happens. Even just having a few minutes notice can give you enough time to get a head start. MULTIPLE COMMUNICATION METHODS When the grid goes down most of the communication methods we rely on today will fail. My advice, is to have multiple ways of communicating with your family and friends.

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Exposure is a killer, and the clothing you've got will make all the difference. In general, you want to be dressed in layers, in the right gear for your local conditions. Where I live it never snows, so I'm able to pack far lighter than someone in a state like Washington or Alaska. Just ensure you've got warm layers underneath that wick away moisture from your skin, and an outer shell layer that will protect you from any rain or wind chill. GET A WATER SUPPLY SORTED Knowing where to find clean water after a disaster strikes is imperative. Because once the grid goes down, you can't expect the taps to keep flowing. And the water around you could be undrinkable for any number of reasons, especially if there's chemical or sewage leaks. Have a couple of means of purifying the water you're drinking. Run it through a filter to remove any large particles, and boil it to kill off any microbes. I'd also advise getting a renewable source of water, like a rain catchment system installed in your home, or a pump drilled on your property. Access to clean water is critical if you want to survive. Getting started as a survivalist isn't difficult, but it does require a little research, and you start taking steps to being more prepared. That's all I do. Put systems, plans and strategies in place now, so if I ever need them I’m not fumbling around trying to get organized when things go to chaos.

VIP SURVIVAL ACADEMY - AUGUST 2017

BUILDING A CAMPSITE TO SURVIVE WET WEATHER I love the rain. It helps keep my garden watered, and of course gives us plenty to drink. But it's not always a good thing, especially when you're spending your time in the outdoors. Camping in wet weather is not for the faint hearted. But it's not always up to you. I've found mother nature to have a twisted sense of humor. Like last weekend. It was beautiful and sunny the entire week while I was tied up at work, and after heading off early Friday night the skies opened up and it rained pretty much non-stop the rest of the weekend. Definitely not how I pictured a weekend camping. Though there was an upside. I got to teach my kids all about wet weather camping. It's certainly not how I'd choose to go camping, but it's important you know what to do when you're caught outdoors in the rain. Because in a disaster you may not have a choice. Here's how to not let a little rain ruin your next camping trip. HAVE THE RIGHT GEAR Perhaps the most critical step is to ensure you've got the right items in

your kit from the start. First, you need to have your shelter sorted. Prepare enough tarps and tents so you can keep the rain and wind from chilling you to the bone, and I'd also pack extra to use as groundsheets. Next comes clothing. You will get wet, so it makes sense to have a backup set of clothes, and maybe even another pair of socks. You want to ensure you're warm enough, so beanies, gloves, and scarves are a good idea, but the key is to stay dry. Ensure you've got a waterproof jacket with a hood, waterproof pants, and boots that aren't going to leave your feet soaked after the first puddle you step in. I'd also recommend throwing in an extra roll of plastic bags into your kit if you know it's going to be wet. There's always a use for plastic bags in the rain, from keeping your wet clothes separate, to protecting any important items from getting wet themselves. Finally, don't forget the importance of food. In wet weather cooking on an open fire isn't very pleasant, if you can even get the fire started in the first place. Ensure you've got some backup food options that don't need to be cooked.

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Oh, and don't forget some indoor activities so you don't go insane. A book, a pack of cards, or whatever it is to keep yourself amused while it's bucketing down outside is worthwhile to have. DOUBLE-CHECK YOUR TENT IS WATERPROOF I had a rather frustrating surprise on a trip I took earlier in the year, as bugs had gotten into one of my favorite tents and had chewed tiny holes in the base of it.

“finding the right area for your camp is critical to stay dry…

VIP SURVIVAL ACADEMY - AUGUST 2017 cont. So small that you would hardly notice them unless held up to the light, the realization only came in the middle of a downpour and water started seeing in through the holes. It was an experience I’d not care to repeat. Before heading out on a wet-weather camping trip, it's a good idea to test whether or not your gear is actually waterproof. If this involves setting your tent up in your backyard and turning the hose on it, do it. It's much easier to fix leaking seams or do a quick repair when you're at home. SETUP CAMP AT THE RIGHT SPOT One of the smartest steps you can take when you get to a wet campground is to find the right area for your camp. I'd look for a small rise, and avoid any areas where there's pooling water. If you've got it, put a waterproof tarp down first, as an additional layer of protection against the water. I'd also recommend finding a spot that has good drainage. You don't want the water collecting under your camp, and you certainly don't want a river running through the center once the skies open up. One trick I learnt back in my scout days is the benefits of building a trench for my tent. Now many people will tell you this isn't necessary with the latest tents, and I agree. But if you've built a makeshift shelter, or are in an area with very heavy rainfall, a trench can help you stay dry. It works like this. Take a good camping shovel, and about 1 to 2 feet from the outside of your tent, dig a shallow trench around your tent. It's like the moat around a castle you dig at the beach. Same concept, and as the rain falls and starts to run over the ground, it'll get caught in the trench and be funneled off to either side of your tent. Do this on a slight incline, and the base of your tent will stay dry no matter how heavy it's raining.

To protect against the falling rain, I will always setup another tarp directly above my tent, to divert some of the falling rain. This way, I can leave my tent windows open and get a little airflow through, without worrying that I'll be letting the rain pour in as soon as I open these. This is critical, and is one of the reasons I always carry a tarp with me in my bug out kit. Stop the rain getting through, and you'll be far more comfortable no matter what situation you've found yourself in.

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Of course, camping in the rain isn't the most enjoyable experience, and if you're going for pleasure most people will throw in the towel after a day or two of heavy rain. I'm the same. But there's always the chance you've not got a choice. If you find yourself stuck in the outdoors in wet weather, you need to ensure you've got the right gear, and you know how to setup your camp so you're protected from the water. It might make all the difference in staying warm, and staying alive.

VIP SURVIVAL ACADEMY - AUGUST 2017

MY FAVORITE SURVIVAL MOVIES FOR A NIGHT IN

I love the outdoors almost as much as I love survival, and it crosses over to every aspect of my life. Especially, a good survival flick. Perhaps it's being able to break down everything the hero is doing wrong, or to see what other people believe the end of the world is going to look like. And that's not even the best part. Hollywood is pushing out more and more of these types of shows. #1. Into the Wild (2007) Following the true story of Christopher McCandles, you see firsthand at just how brutal the outdoors really is. After graduating college and heading into the wilderness with no experience, and just a couple of survival books, it's inevitable that things go wrong. Unable to hunt or successfully "live off the land," McCandles eventually succumbs to the wild. I like it because I think this is a wake-up call to many of the survivalists who think they can simply bug-out into the bush and live happily ever after. 'Into the Wild' shows them exactly what will happen if they're not truly ready. Lesson: Never go into the wild unprepared. You need gear, experience, and a support system if you want to survive. You need to work hard for every meal, every sip of water, so use your time now to start gaining the skills and know-how to successfully live off the land. Books aren't enough. #2. San Andreas (2015) Following the aftermath of a massive earthquake in California, this movie highlights how people are going to do whatever it takes to protect their family when a disaster strikes. There will be looting, and the people you've always relied on to look out for you, like police officers, aren't going to be there anymore. I also think it highlights the importance of being ready to take swift action when there's an emergency, if everything starts exploding around you, run for cover. Please. Lesson. You can't rely on the governments or law enforcement agencies to look out for your best interests once the SHTF. People will always put their own needs first, so you need to ensure you've got a means to both protect yourself, and always keep your head on a swivel. You never know when a crisis like this will strike, and those who are complacent will die. #3. Cast Away (2000) Following the story of an airplane survivor washed onto a deserted island, 'Cast Away' gives a harrowing look at both the skills required and the loneliness you'd expect as a lone survivor. What I like most is the struggle that the hero goes through to secure even the most basic survival assets, like fire, and as you follow the character arc you see how much of a difference this makes once he knows what he's doing. Lesson. Effective survival comes down to experience. If you want to give yourself the best chance at surviving whatever comes, you need practice. So learn basic survival techniques now, before you're forced to rely on them. Do you know how to start a fire without matches? How about constructing a fish trap or a spear? These are basic techniques, but without having ever tried these before, you're going to struggle if you ever need to use them. #4. The Grey (2012) Following a group of oil-rig workers after a plane crash in Alaska, this film taps into the emotions of fear and dread when you're being pursued. In this case it's a pack of wolves who will stop at nothing to tear the group apart. What I like most about this movie is the brutal determination of the hero to survive at all odds, a trait I believe more of my fellow patriots need. Lesson. Whilst I believe in a higher power, there's little that prayer can do for you in a real situation. Remember that everything has a time and a place, and if you're unprepared when danger is at your doorstep, it's going to be difficult to survive. Ultimately, your survival is up to you. Your determination to survive is what will keep you fighting on, again and again.

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VIP SURVIVAL ACADEMY - AUGUST 2017 wrap it up tight in tin foil. Make sure the edges are rolled tight so no liquid can escape, I use two layers to be sure, and drop it into the coals and cover it up with a couple of shovels of dirt. It takes about 30 to 40 minutes, but the smells are (mostly) contained,and there's no clean up when you're done. SOUNDS FROM YOUR CAMP

AVOIDING ATTENTION AFTER THE SHTF It's inevitable that you're going to live through a disaster in your life. And for the most part, most people will survive. But that's not the scary part. The scary part comes when people get desperate. When they've not eaten in days and their children are hungry. Or maybe they're bad people out to gain from the lack of law and order. No matter what, you can't trust strangers. In my opinion, you can rely only on your immediate family, as well as your survival group. Which is all well and good if you can stay under the radar, but there's a few things that could give your group away. SMOKE FROM YOUR FIRE Once the grid goes down the most reliable way to get heat and cook your food is fire. But burning wood creates smoke. And smoke can be seen for miles, especially if it's a clear day, or the flames are rising to the sky. There's two rules when it comes to keeping a campfire discreet. First, only use dry wood. Green leafy branches produce a thick white smoke that's great in certain situations (like sending a signal to rescuers), but not if you're trying to hide. I'd also start the fire underneath a large leafy tree so the branches disperse any smoke.

Second, you want your campfire to be in a pit. At night, the glow from a fire shines from a distance, which can attract unwelcome visitors to your campsite. By digging a pit, the flames are out of direct line of sight to anyone who may be watching. In a high-risk situation, I'd recommend getting your cooking done during the day instead. SMELLS FROM YOUR COOKING The smell of barbeque carries and you may find inquisitive neighbors want to see what’s cooking. Especially if you're all starving. Now I'm all for hunting and catching my own game, and I've smoked my fair share of deer, but there's just one problem. The smell carries, and anyone in the area is going to be drawn to your fire. If you've not got a choice, my advice is to get your fire nice and hot, and grill the meat fast so you can eat it quickly and leave. In the wilderness this attracts bears. In a crisis, the aroma from cooking will attract people. So once you've eaten, it's time to move on. But I get this isn't always possible. One method I particularly like is what my family likes to refer to as the hobo meal. It's basically a tin foil dinner. Just grab a handful of veggies, your meat, and salt or herbs you've scavenged for flavor, and a dash of water or wine, and

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Especially at night, the sounds from your camp will carry. If you're in a dangerous area, you want to keep as silent as possible. Chopping wood, hammering in tent pegs, all of these produce sounds that will attract people. In a city, it could be the sounds of your radio that draw attention, or even the gunshot sound from you firing to defend yourself. Make every effort to keep your family as quiet as possible during a crisis. For me, I know it's much easier hunting with a rifle, but these last few seasons I've been practicing with my bow. Because I want to be able to put food on the table without letting anyone listening know where I've bugged out to. LIGHT FROM YOUR CAMP If you've ever been camping you will have noticed how your eye gets drawn to the light. Along a trail or in the wilderness it's easy to spot where the other campers have setup, as their spots are basically glowing with artificial light. In a crisis, this is a bad thing, as it's a beacon that will attract more people to your camp. The same goes in a city. If your home is the only one with the lights on after the grid goes down, you can bet people are going to be stopping by to wonder why. Don't give them the chance. I use a red-light LED headlamp that gives me enough light to see, but cuts down the chances anyone will be able to identify me at a distance. The same goes for your fire. You want it deep in a fire pit so the flames are out of sight, and setup your camp in denser forest so it cuts down on the glow. Staying under the radar when there is a crisis is the smartest move. In addition to avoid drawing attention to your camp, I'd say the last thing is to make sure you fit in. If you've got running water and a full belly, the last thing you want to do is showcase this to everyone you come across. Dress scruffier, and ensure you fit in with the people around you. If you get singled out, it could be the last thing you do. Follow these rules, and you'll be well placed to avoid attention when the SHTF.

VIP SURVIVAL ACADEMY - AUGUST 2017

SECRETS TO “BLEND IN” WHEN A CRISIS HITS After a disaster, the last thing you want to do is stand out. Because you'll look like a target, and that's going to draw all the wrong kinds of attention to you and your family. But most people don't know how to actually blend in. And when they start trying, they get it all wrong. It's not their fault. The real problem is most people haven't had the kind of training we've gone through in the military. Which is why I'm writing this post today. If you're ever in a crisis and you need to keep your head down, these tactics will help you to avoid being noticed, so you can go about your business. Plus, they'll help you avoid looking vulnerable and becoming a victim to any criminals looking for an easy mark. So pay attention. Knowing these tips could help you stay safe once the world descends into chaos. ALWAYS ACT WITH A PURPOSE The way you carry yourself goes a long way towards how well you can fit into a particular situation. In the army, we're taught from day one the importance of walking with a purpose. If you ever want to get into a secure area, act as if you belong and walk confidently. There's no sneaking or sulking around,

“wear clothing that allows you to go unnoticed…

as that's the surest way to draw attention to yourself. I've used many different techniques to achieve this, from being engrossed in a folder full of documents, to speaking on the phone to an apparent "boss" who is urgently waiting for me to arrive. But perhaps you need to simply wait in an area. This is a little harder, the trick is to simply fit in with everyone around you. If they're casually sitting around in a park, join them and spark up a conversation with someone nearby. If they're all busy office types drinking coffee and eating lunch, do the same. If they're all scruffy and lining up for the rations being handed out, ensure you're in the line too. You never want to be the odd man out. DON’T DRESS IN AN OBVIOUS DISGUISE Obviously sporting full camouflage gear when you're walking around downtown is going to warrant a lot of attention, the trick to blending in is to fit in with what everyone else is wearing. You don't want to be remembered, so wear clothing that allows you to go unnoticed. If people are milling about in shorts and t-shirts, wearing a suit is going to look out of place. On the flip side, wearing shorts and a t-shirt in the city might mean you tick out around all the business people around you. Personally, I choose plain clothes, in muted colors when I want to blend in. Avoid anything with large logos that could be remembered or recognized, and always ensure you've got the right attire for the part of town you're in. ALWAYS KEEP YOUR GUARD UP It's natural to think of your home as a safe place, and I'm also guilty of letting my hair down once I return home. This is a mistake. Your home is another part of your life that you want to ensure fits in with all of the people around you. In a crisis, you don't want to be the only home with the lights on, or delicious smells coming from your kitchen, so be vigilant and keep your guard up. Follow the lead of the others in your street when it comes to where you park your car, how well maintained you keep your yard, and of course, eliminate any potential weak points in your home defenses. DON’T GIVE ANYTHING AWAY The amount of information we share on social media is staggering, but

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there's another aspect to this. If you're open about your preps, it's only going to come haunt you when a real crisis hits. People have a long memory. They're also willing to do unspeakable things to keep their own families safe, so don't give anything away. Never mention to anyone outside of your survival circle about the preparations you've made, and make sure you eliminate any evidence of your preps. ALWAYS BE CONFIDENT This final point is one of the most important, because it will ultimately impact whether or not you're actually targeted when a crisis hits. You want to project confidence in all that you do. If you look vulnerable, that's exactly what the criminals are looking for. But confidence doesn't mean arrogance. Wearing your hood up can restrict your peripheral vision and make you more vulnerable to an attack, just like having your headphones in can stop you hearing anyone running up on you. The trick is to walk confidently, with your head up so you're aware of the world around you. That way, anyone out looking for an easy mark knows they're not going to be able to take you by surprise. Blending in when a crisis hits requires you to master a few different tricks. You've got to be able to fit in with a variety of different people, adopting their style of dress, mannerisms and acting like you belong if you hope to go unnoticed. But to ensure your safety, it's critical that you keep your guard up, even when you're at home, and you're careful about protecting the details of your life as a survivalist. Being confident and aware of your surroundings is a good start, but by far the most important tactic is to fit in. That way, you don't look like a potential victim, or a valuable mark. You look like everyone else, and you're able to hide in plain sight along with the rest of the crowd.

VIP SURVIVAL ACADEMY - AUGUST 2017

WOULD YOU SURVIVE A WILD FIRE? There's just one problem with the warm, sunny days of summer. The heat leads to one inevitable disaster. Fire. If your home is anywhere near natural bushland or heavily forested areas, one particular crisis you need to be wary of in the warmer months is wildfires. It's already hitting families in California hard, as thousands are relocated from their homes. But that's not even the worst part. The worst part is these massive forces of destruction are usually triggered by people. Perhaps some kids shooting off fireworks, campers who were too lazy to properly bury their campfire, or careless hikers who tossed a cigarette butt into the brush. Combine a source of ignition, along with acres and acres of dry forest and you get a wildfire. They're almost impossible to stop, and burn through and destroy everything in their path. The dry vegetation in the forest adds more and more fuel to the fire, and if your home is in the disaster zone you may be facing the loss of everything you've worked so hard for.

Today, I'm going to cover the basics of understanding how wildfires work, along with the techniques you can use to survive one. Just in case. PREVENTION IS THE BEST STEP Fire has it's uses, from keeping you warm at night to purifying your water and cooking your food, but it's not without risks. A fire does what it wants, it's up to you to be responsible with it. Do something silly, like bringing it inside your debris shelter is a recipe for disaster. Generally speaking, only ever light a fire in a safe area, where there's no additional fuel on the ground or in the trees above to catch alight. If you're spending any amount of time out in the wild, whether it's because you've got a property that backs onto the forest or you just like camping and hiking on the weekends, you need to be extra careful every time you're using fire, because all it takes is a single ember, dropped in the wrong place, to start a wildfire. BEING PREPARED FOR THE WORST When you're living in a high-risk area, your local council is going to make it ver y clear about the r ules and restrictions when it comes to open fires.

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Where I live, there's a total fire ban for a few months each year, to reduce the chances that a wildfire will be started. Abide by the rules, they're in place not only for your safety, but that of all the other families and homes around you. I'd also recommend clearing the land around your home. Fire needs fuel to burn, and if you've taken the time to properly clear the majority of the brush from around your home, there's a chance that any fire burning through will pass you by.

“only ever light a fire in a safe area…

VIP SURVIVAL ACADEMY - AUGUST 2017

PAY ATTENTION TO WHAT'S AROUND YOU As soon as you notice a wildfire is coming, you need to take action. If you can hear the fire burning or smell the smoke, you already need to be moving. Grab your bug out bags, get in the car and head in the other direction. Of course, if you're listening to your local news you may have a little more time to prepare and evacuate, but be warned. A wildfire is not to be trifled with, and is one of the few situations where you'll be safer bugging out, than staying in. And you should evacuate as soon as possible. Having a bug out bag stocked with the essentials is key to getting on the road fast.

ESCAPING THE WILDFIRE One of the biggest natural elements that will control the fire is the wind. How fast it's blowing and in what direction will determine where the fire spreads to, so think before you start driving in a direction where you may get trapped. Wildfires can move as fast as 10 miles an hour, which is going to be difficult to stay ahead of if you've not got a vehicle. If you can see the flames you're too close, turn around and escape in the opposite direction. If you're a little further away, it's better to move in a diagonal direction to escape. This way, you'll be able to get to a safer position, eventually reaching the edge of the fire and getting into a safe zone where the wildfire can pass you by. Fires also burn uphill faster than downhill, so make it quick over any crests and into the gulley's beyond and keep moving. You want to avoid travelling up any canyons or draws as these can act as chimneys for the fire, and be wary of the canopy overhead. This can often alight faster than the ground so you risk burning branches falling on you as you try to escape.

If you get to a point where the roads stop, or continuing to drive takes you back towards the fire, don't abandon your car. Instead, take it off road. Yes, even your little sedan. The shell of your car will help protect you from the heat of the fire, and if you ruin it at least you've managed to keep yourself alive. On foot, you stand very little chance outrunning a wildfire. IF ESCAPE ISN'T AN OPTION This is not an ideal situation, but if you're stuck and aren't able to outrun the fire, you can still sur vive. Remember that the fire is going to kill you one of three ways 1. The heat overpowers your body and it shuts down 2. The smoke poisons your lungs and you cannot breathe 3. The oxygen is sucked out of the air by the flames and you cannot breathe To survive, you need a place where you are protected from these on all fronts, so you can ride out the fire. Of course, this is a risky situation and should only ever be your last resort. But do this and you'll have the best chance of survival. First, find somewhere that's not going to burn. The sparks from a wildfire can

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jump up to 100 feet, potentially more depending on the wind and the fire. 1. Get underwater and submerge yourself in a stream or pond 2. Find a rocky area with little vegetation that will burn 3. Get underground in a cavern or bunker that's insulated by the earth Then just ride out the fire to the best of your ability. Water soaked rags are a great tactic for breathing in smoke. But that's not always possible. And being a survivor, I don't like giving up. So, if you're facing a wildfire, you could also start a backfire. It's exactly what it sounds like. Create a smaller, controlled fire, to clear the land around your property, so when the wildfire comes there's nothing left to burn. This is highly dangerous, and you need to be constantly burning, then putting out the areas to create the safe zone. The key to surviving a wildfire is to be smart. Of course, not starting a fire in the first place is important, but if a fire is coming your way the best thing you can do is escape. Failing that, find somewhere to shelter where you'll be insulated from the heat and smoke, and as a last resort try back burning before the wildfire reaches you.

VIP SURVIVAL ACADEMY - AUGUST 2017

BUGGING OUT THE RIGHT WAY TO SURVIVE As a survivalist there's always more that we could do. Even with the best laid plans I truly believe that if the SHTF tomorrow, there'd be things you do wrong. There'd be plenty of things I do wrong too. All the time spent researching and preparing your home for an inevitable disaster may come to naught if you're hit with a big crisis.

BE READY TO GIO

Imagine this.

Pack your bug out bag now. All you should need to do is grab it, and jump in your car. It contains everything you need for three days on the road, so you're all set. Sort of. I also like being over-prepared, and if you're a regular reader of the blog you've probably heard me mention more than once that "two is one, one is none."

You've experienced a massive disaster in your area. The local authorities are overwhelmed, and have given up their duty to protect their own families. People are getting desperate as fresh water and food supplies are dwindling, and there's looters and rioters on the streets. Your world is in a state of chaos, and staying put is now much less of a risk than bugging out. I'm pretty adamant that it's going to need to be a big crisis if I'm to leave my home. Because bugging out is risky. You're leaving shelter, security, and all of your supplies to live life on the road. It's dangerous as you're exposed, and you never know who may cross your path. But as a last resort, it makes sense to know the right way to bug out in order to survive.

I can't stress this enough. Your local community is your biggest threat when you're trying to bug out, and if you get caught up with the masses, you're in big trouble. Roads will get congested, people will get agitated, and you're not going to be able to effectively escape.

Here's how that comes into play. In my car (at all times), I've got a second emergency kit that stays inside a big plastic tub in my trunk. It contains extra food and water, spare clothing, more shelter building equipment, camping gear, and a few items like rope and fishing line to make my hunts more effective. No matter where I go with my car, I've got the gear I need to last at least a week on the road. Which is also important if I'm not able to actually get home and grab my bug out bag. You may find you're cut off, and need to start your bug out from a lessthan-ideal location.

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Finally, if I'm at home and forced to evacuate, I've got two more tubs in my garage that I'll load into my car. All three fit comfortably in the trunk, along with a spare canister of gas, and they're packed and ready to go. I'll also spend a minute cleaning out my gun safe, bringing all my ammunition and firearms with me. I've timed this, and I can be fully set, in my car and out the door in under five minutes. With more than enough gear to survive.

“People's true selves come out when a real crisis hits…

VIP SURVIVAL ACADEMY - AUGUST 2017 cont. KNOW WHERE YOU’RE GOING Escaping ground zero of a disaster is the first step, but it pays to have a destination in mind. And know at least two or three different routes to get there. Because a particular road may be blocked by the police of the effects of the disaster. When it's flooding you want to stick to the high ground and avoid bridges, while if there's only one main thoroughfare from your location this can get congested fast. You want to have multiple routes of escape to hit your destination. For me, I've got a remote cabin that serves as my bug out location. It's run-down and is still only a work in progress, but it's my primary bug out spot. Failing this, I'll head to my parent's house, which is another two hours drive in the same direction. HAVE A SUPPORT NETWORK This is critical if you're wanting to survive a disaster. People's true selves come out when a real crisis hits, so take your time and find only trustworthy people to bring into your survival network. I've built a strong community with my neighbors, and we're all on board to help each other out, but I still

only trust my immediate family and two others with the full extent of my survival plans. You need other people to rely on, as many hands make light work, so start working on developing trust and building a proper support network that you know will be there for you when a crisis hits. PRACTICE BASIC SURVIVAL SKILLS If you want any hope of surviving in the wild, knowing basic survival skills is critical. I'd make a point of being able to cover the essentials, like finding sources of water, creating a debris shelter, and knowing how to hunt and forage for your meals. In an urban environment there's a different set of survival skills, which revolves around your ability to blend into your surroundings so you're not noticed when you're enacting key parts of your survival plan. Remember how I said "trunk" when I was talking about loading my car up with supplies? It's because I want these out of sight. The last thing you want when you're evacuating is to have someone glance inside your car and spot a pile of gear, weapons and food during a crisis. The police may detain you, while other survivors may decide they want what you have.

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LEARN TO MANAGE PEOPLE When you're escaping a crisis one of the most important skills you can have is people skills. Yes, even if you're bugging out alone to a remote cabin in the woods. Because eventually, you're going to cross paths with other people, and being able to diffuse and manage potentially tense or dangerous situations is a must. You need to know how to talk to people without getting them agitated, and how to calm them down. The biggest danger you face when you're bugging out is other people. Of course, I'm a big proponent of bugging in. The smartest way to stay alive is to remain in your home, in the vast majority of situations. But just in case, if you're forced to evacuate, knowing these five rules is going to help you stay safe, stay alive, and survive another day. And that's what being prepared is all about.