February 2018

DON’T MISS: WHERE YOU SHOULD BE BUGGING OUT TO

SURVIVAL PLANNING FOR YOUR ELDERLY RELATIVES

IN THIS ISSUE:

LOSING A TAIL IN YOUR CAR

FEBRUARY 2018

FINDING WATER IN THE WILD

THE RIGHT WAY TO EVACUATE A BUILDING

RABBITS AS A FOOD SOURCE

DO YOU HAVE A HOME DEFENSE PLAN?

START A GARDEN WITHOUT DIRT and more…

VIP SURVIVAL ACADEMY - FEBRUARY 2018

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Contents

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FEATURED

WHERE YOU SHOULD BE BUGGING OUT TO One of the most common topics that comes up in survival circles is bugging out. Every man and his dog seem to have a romantic notion of spending their days post-crisis in a remote…

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FINDING WATER WHEN YOU’RE IN THE WILD Without water, your chances of survival in the wild reduce dramatically. Dehydration can start kicking in within a few hours, and after a few days you'll be on your death bed…

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USING RABBITS AS A FOOD SOURCE The one truth I can guarantee when the SHTF is that you're going to be hungry. There simply won't be enough food to go around. Now I'm all for sustainable living, and I've spent…

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HOW TO START A GARDEN WITHOUT DIRT A few winter's back I built my first greenhouse, and it's one of the best moves our family has made towards self-sustainability. But it wasn't the greenhouse alone that did it…

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DO YOU HAVE A HOME DEFENSE PLAN? Our country is no longer safe. Criminals are getting more brazen, and while your home is your last refuge, there are many who simply do not care about the sanctity of your home…

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LOSING A TAIL IN YOUR CAR Car chases are a staple in movies today. Hollywood loves a good action scene, but in the real world you're probably not going to be able to use anything you've learnt on the big screen…

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SURVIVAL PLANNING FOR YOUR ELDERLY RELATIVES When it comes to survival planning, you need a solution for every possible scenario, and ensuring you've prepared for your elderly relatives is rather important. The trick to a good…

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THE RIGHT WAY TO EVACUATE A BUILDING When a disaster strikes, it can come hard and fast, which makes it critical you've got a plan in place beforehand if you want to survive. If you spend any significant amount of time away…

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ESCAPING FROM YOUR KIDNAPPERS Being kidnapped is terrifying. It places you at the complete and utter mercy of those who have taken you. And these are mostly likely not the friendliest individuals. I'm going to be honest…

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VIP SURVIVAL ACADEMY - FEBRUARY 2018

WHERE YOU SHOULD BE BUGGING OUT TO One of the most common topics that comes up in survival circles is bugging out. Every man and his dog seem to have a romantic notion of spending their days post-crisis in a remote cabin in the middle of the wilderness. But when it comes to auctioning these plans, that's where they fall short. They've got the dream. But they haven't yet turned it into a real survival strategy. However, I'd like to exercise a word of warning here. Bugging out shouldn't be anywhere near the top of your priority list when the SHTF. It's a last resort, a plan you execute when it becomes no longer safe to stay at home. Because bugging out is extremely dangerous. Extremely. You could get caught up in traffic and stuck, hit road blocks and have your car searched, or even run into other survivors on the road who want to take what you have. You never know. My advice is to only bug out if it's absolutely necessary. Your home should be in a relatively safe area, that allows you to fortify and "hunker down" if a disaster strikes.

If it doesn't, perhaps because you're living in a tiny apartment in the center of the city, it might be worth considering how you can take action now to be a little safer when the SHTF. A shift to a smaller city can greatly increase your ability to sur vive, especially if you've got a little land you can use to become a more selfsufficient household. But there's always a chance you need to bug out, and a smart survivalist is one with a backup plan for every scenario. When the SHTF and you need to evacuate your home, here's where you can go.

Once you start getting out of the cities into the more rural back-woods areas, buying a few acres actually gets affordable. Even if there's nowhere to live. For a couple of thousand dollars you can get a used trailer, and while it may not be pretty, you've not got the makings of your own bug out location. A REMOTE PROPERTY YOUR FAMILY OWNS If buying your own property is off the cards, your next bet is to rely on a friend or a family member who already has an ideal bug out location.

A REMOTE PROPERTY YOU OWN This is the ideal situation. A crisis has hit, and it's no longer safe to stay home. So, you grab your evacuation kits and your bug out bags, and head to that remote cabin you've purchased for this exact purpose. We've got a cabin on a few acres that we've slowly been working on, but this was also a rather expensive endeavor. I know not everyone has the ability to make purchases like this on the offchance they need it in a disaster. But it doesn't have to cost a fortune.

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“Because bugging out is extremely dangerous. Extremely…”

VIP SURVIVAL ACADEMY - FEBRUARY 2018 cont. Depending on your family, I'll bet you've at least one relative who is currently living in a home (or owns a second property), that's almost perfect for your bug out plans. So, talk to them. Forget weird family dynamics, when the SHTF you'll be glad you had these conversations in advance, and double points if you had the foresight to store a couple of suitcases of gear and bug out bags there, ahead of time. Just in case. For me, I've got a couple of boxes "in storage" at my grandmother's house, and there's a trailer parked in the back of my parent's property that's chock full of survival gear. My goal is to have multiple options if a disaster strikes, so we can cut and change our plans as the situation demands. AN ESTABLISHED PREPPER COMMUNITY Now these are a difficult to find, but it's not impossible. The goal is to find and join an existing group of survivalists. That way, you can use their land and facilities when the SHTF. Often, they will be looking for new members (many hands make light work), though it can take time to earn their trust. I know near to me there are two communities like this, and I've bumped into their members at both my local shooting range, and in training groups I've participated in. If you ask around you will find a community you can join. CREATE A COMMUNITY But if not, you could always start your own community. I'd talk to a few close friends, as you've probably already got an idea of who in your circles would make a good addition and may potentially be open to the idea. The goal is to pool resources and purchase a property that can be used as a bug out location for the group when a disaster strikes. Again, this strategy will take time to execute, and there will be challenges like getting the objectives of the group sorted and setting the ground rules. With the right people, this could be the perfect arrangement. SQUAT IN A NATIONAL OR STATE PARK It's not ideal, but without other options for your bug out I'd consider scouting and parks or state forests in your area that could suit. You want a location that has a number of different access routes, as well as running water and decent food sources.

A bug out location doesn't need to be permanent, if you've got an area that's relatively remote it could prove perfect for a few days to a few weeks. The trick is to prepare in advance, so you're not completely without gear during the crisis. I'm not gunna lie, there's a couple of my favorite camping sites where I've buried small caches of gear as an extreme last resort. That way, no matter what, we've got options when the SHTF.

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Of course, when a disaster strikes and the world turns to chaos, your best chance of survival is to hunker down and stay put. Fortify your home and ride out the worst of the crisis with all the gear, food and supplies you've already stockpiled. The only time bugging out makes sense is when it's no longer safe to stay in your home, and if this is the case it's important you know where you're headed.

VIP SURVIVAL ACADEMY - FEBRUARY 2018 LOOK FOR GREEN FOLIAGE

FINDING WATER WHEN YOU’RE IN THE WILD Without water, your chances of survival in the wild reduce dramatically. Dehydration can start kicking in within a few hours, and after a few days you'll be on your death bed. It's that important. For anyone planning to bug out, or even just survivalists that enjoy spending time outdoors, knowing how to find water in the wild is critical. Because you never know when there's an accident, crisis or major catastrophe, that cuts you off from the safety net of civilization. LOOK FOR ANIMAL LIFE In a survival situation animals can be a lifeline. Without the right hunting gear, it can be difficult to catch them for food, but if you notice any signs or tracks, you can follow these paths to the closest watering hole. Trust me, the animals know where the water is. In an arid environment, like a desert, look for the paths the animals have left in the sand, and follow these to your salvation. In a hot, tropical environment, you can be sure the animals won't stray far from their water source. LOOK FOR THE BIRDS Birds are another animal that can be found flocking near water, so look up every now and then and see if you can determine which general direction to head. Certain species like pigeons never stray far from water, which makes it important to pay attention to what's going on around you in a survival situation. It can be easier to follow the birds through the trees than spot animal tracks in a heavily forested area. LOOK FOR THE INSECTS If you're faced with a serious lack of animal life, you can always turn to the insects. The presence of mosquitoes is a sure sign there's a pond nearby, as they breed and flourish in stagnant water. Flies will also stay close to a water source, and while they're a little more mobile, bees won't go more than 1000 meters from theirs either. Ants too. If you spot any of these insects, it probably means there's water in your area, so start looking.

The presence of water is usually also accompanied with an abundance of plant life. If you're scouting from a higher vantage point, you want to head to any valleys or depressions that are noticeably greener than the rest. If you've no idea which direction to start walking, my advice would be to head to the top of a hill to get a better view of the area. You never know what you'll be able to spot in the distance. DIG FOR ROOTS AND TUBERS If you're struggling to find a running water source, it's time to look underground. Plants often keep their roots and tubers full of water, and if you're able to dig these up it can give you enough to stave off dehydration. Just make sure you're not over-exerting yourself and burning more moisture than you're getting back. DIG OUT A DRY RIVERBED Another water source is the riverbeds. Even if it's dried up, there's a chance that deep underground the water table is still high enough to access. Find the lowest section of the river, and dig out a hole as far as you can reach. If this technique works, water should soon start pooling in the bottom. EXTRACTING WATER FROM PLANTS This trick I learnt in the arid bushland of California. With little options for running water, one trick you can use is to cover the leafy branches of a sapling with a plastic bag. The more leaves the better. The heat of the day will cause condensation to form on the inside of the bag, and collect. You won't get much from this technique, but in a dry area even a few mouthfuls of fresh water can keep you alive a little longer. And the best part is you can drink it fresh, without needing to purify. EXTRACTING WATER FROM CACTI We've all seen the old Westerns, but in a dry environment the cacti can also be a life saver. Make a small cut and collect the water that drains, but be sure to boil it first. If you don't the acidic nature of the water makes it undrinkable. Oh, and don't make your cut too deep if you're planning to rely on a single plant for an extended amount of time.

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Injure the plant too much and the water will simply continue to drain, and it'll be empty the next time you need it. EXTRACTING WATER FROM VINES In a heavily forested environment, one of the best water sources is the vines hanging from the canopy. They store a vast amount of water inside, and all it takes to harness it is to slice through and drink the water that flows out like a faucet. Just be wary. If the water is milky or there's sticky sap, I'd avoid drinking it and find another vine. MELTING “OLD” SEA ICE Most sea ice is undrinkable; thanks to the large amounts of concentrated salt it contains. But there's a trick. Over time, these concentrations of salt are lost, which means it's possible to melt "old" sea ice and get potable drinking water. What you want to look for is the blue tinge present in the ice, which is usually a few layers down. Oh, and don't forget the importance of purifying any water you drink. Unless you've used condensation to extract pure water from plants, there's a chance you'll be drinking contaminated water if you don't purify it first. Boiling is one way to kill any bacteria present, and used in combination with a water filter, you can also remove any particles or heavy metals present in the water you've collected. Which is important if you want to stay healthy, and survive.

VIP SURVIVAL ACADEMY - FEBRUARY 2018 HOW TO BREED RABBITS?

USING RABBITS AS A FOOD SOURCE

Once your rabbits are at least six months old you can breed them. It's rather easy. Take one of your females and put her in the cage with the male for about an hour. Don't overdo it, as she can get stressed and may even harm the male. Repeat for a couple of days and it's probably been successful. It takes 31 days for a litter to be born, you'll notice when the mother is starting to nest as she'll start pulling out her fur. Line their nesting box with hay, and check on them regularly. You'll need to provide more food and water, and they'll be fine for the next several weeks as the babies grow. I try to stagger each litter of rabbits as I don't want an oversupply of meat, and also give the mothers a month or two of rest after a litter is weaned before breeding them again. This way I've got a regular supply, without overdoing it. I'm currently getting two litters a year from each rabbit, though I could probably push this to three (perhaps even four) if the situation demanded. HOW TO BUTCHER A RABBIT?

The one truth I can guarantee when the SHTF is that you're going to be hungry. There simply won't be enough food to go around. Now I'm all for sustainable living, and I've spent considerable time ensuring our homestead makes as little environmental impact as possible. And part of this is having alternative sources of fresh meat. Because my stockpile won't last forever. So, I started farming rabbits. I get it. I've also been told off by a number of friends because "How could you possibly eat something so cute," and I agree. They are cute. But they're also a great source of protein. Pound for pound rabbits are one of the easiest types of livestock to raise. - They're herbivores and low-maintenance. - They need far less cage space than chickens - You can use the manure to fertilize a garden But that's not even the best part. A couple of breeding rabbits will produce anywhere from 150 to 200 pounds of meat over a year. And rabbit meat tastes great. Just be careful. Their meat is so lean that eating it exclusively can be bad for you, as you're not getting the essential fats needed in your diet. So always supplement with other natural fats, like nuts, avocado, salmon, olive oil and whole eggs. We need balanced diets, and eating one source exclusively is not a good idea.

WHAT RABBITS TO CHOOSE? There's many different breeds of rabbit, but ultimately, I went with Californian Rabbits for my livestock. Each produces about 8 pounds of meat, and if you're really looking to be sustainable you can also dry and cure the rabbit skin and fur. The other types of rabbit chosen for meat production are the New Zealand White, and the Flemish Cross. All of these would be a good choice. HOW TO RAISE THE RABBITS? Setting up your rabbit farm is easy enough. I bought three female "does" and two male "bucks." You could probably get away with just one breeding pair, but I'd not raised rabbits before and I got a deal buying five. Go figure. You've got to keep the rabbits in separate cages, the most common type being a wooden "hutch" that has wire flooring allowing the droppings to fall through. I bought these from the rabbit supplier. In hindsight, I could have probably made these out of scrap materials and wire mesh from my shed, but I was eager to get started. Once I got my rabbits home I simply placed each hutch out on our grass in a nice shady spot, so they could nibble on the grass along with the hay, veggie scraps and rabbit food you need to feed them. Oh and water too.

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The trick here is to be humane. A litter of rabbits will be ready for butchering at about 10 to 12 weeks. I’ve found the quickest way to dispatch a rabbit is to break its neck, killing it instantly. If you're concerned here you could also look into purchasing a compressed air gun like the abattoirs use, there are a couple of different models like the Ted and the Zephyr that are recommended for use with small animals. Once the rabbit is dispatched, hang it securely from its hind legs and give it a good wash. With a sharp knife make a slit at the ankles, cutting around the tail, and peel the skin back from the meat. This should come off in a single piece, which you can set aside to cure and use in any other projects. Then take your knife and cut from the anus to the chest, opening the cavity yet being careful not to slice open any of the internal organs. Remove all the guts, and once you're done give the rabbit carcass another good clean. And you're done. Looking back, I am pleasantly surprised at how easy it is to farm rabbits. All they need is a stable supply of vegetable scraps and greens, and you'll quickly have more rabbit meat than you know what to do with. And that's a very good thing. Because it's delicious.

VIP SURVIVAL ACADEMY - FEBRUARY 2018

HOW TO START A GARDEN WITHOUT DIRT A few winter's back I built my first greenhouse, and it's one of the best moves our family has made towards self-sustainability. But it wasn't the greenhouse alone that did it. It was the hydroponics system the greenhouse contained. It's like gardening on steroids. Seeing my success with this means of farming, I've been fielding questions from my survivalist buddies ever since. The most common, is how to setup and actually start a hydroponic system. Because it allows you to grow much more produce, much more effectively than you can in a field. And it works year-round. H e ck , yo u c o u l d e ve n s t a r t a hydroponics farm in your basement, with the right ventilation and lighting your plants will thrive. And that could make all the difference when the SHTF. For me, there's a few reasons I wanted to start experimenting with this type of farming. Primarily, my fields needed a rest. They'd been farmed basically nonstop by the previous owners of our homestead, and we wanted to bring a little balance back to the land. Plus, hydroponics would allow us to control every element within the garden, and also grow far more crops.

Plus, everything we grow tastes far better than what you buy in the store. And it's not that difficult to get started.

I've used PVC pipe in the majority of my system, as it's cheap and easy to connect.

WHAT YOU NEED FOR AQUAPONICS

Holes cut into the top of the pipes provide a gap for each potted plant to sit in, and the water to flow through. I use a combination of tree bark, sphagnum moss and gravel in each pot, to give the plants enough structure for their roots to take hold.

Once you've set aside a space to setup the aquaponics system, a trip to your local hardware store can get you everything you need for a simple setup. This is what I did, and it came out far cheaper than buying a kit. Albeit it's a little rougher. Initially we had a pure hydroponics system, however after a few months we swapped out the endless fertilizer we needed to add to the water for fish. It's much easier to manage, is cheaper, and I like to believe it's also a bit more ecofriendly. Plus, it also means I've got a rather large supply of tilapia on hand, just in case we're ever in need of fresh protein. Operating a system is straightforward. You need a frame for your rows of plants, a way to flush water through the roots of each plant. A tank to store the water and grow your fish, and a pump system to send the water flowing throughout the aquaponics system.

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Be careful of packing the pots too tight, as you want the water to flow through so the roots can extract the needed nutrients.

“It’s like gardening on steroids…”

VIP SURVIVAL ACADEMY - FEBRUARY 2018 cont. Then it's simply a matter of keeping my fish fed, and running the pump. It's on a timer (it's a purpose bought pump for aquaponics), that flushes the system with water every 45 minutes or so. The waste from the fish adds vital nutrients back into the water, which is then absorbed by the plants. Apart from the food for the fish, the system is entirely self-contained. Then you just need to sit back and let your plants thrive. BEST CROPS FOR AQUAPONICS There's many different types of plants that grow well in an aquaponics setup, at the moment I'm growing lettuce, spinach, and strawberries. Oh, and there's also an entire section dedicated to tomatoes. I make a mean tomato salsa and I'm canning the excess for my stockpile. In general, herbs do really well in aquaponics systems, and you can also grow vegetables like eggplant, beans, squash and asparagus. The beauty of these types of systems is they can produce crops reliably, yearround, so long as you've got enough healthy fish giving your plants the nutrients they need. If your vegetables aren't growing as bountiful as you'd expect, you may need to get more fish. They're probably not getting enough nutrients. CHOOSING LIGHTS FOR YOUR AQUAPONICS SYSTEM This is only an issue if you're setting your plants up indoors, or are somewhere with a particularly cold and dark winter. Plants need light to grow, and if they don't get enough naturally you're going to need to add artificial light. We've not needed this as our greenhouse gets more than enough sun, but if you're constructing your system indoors it becomes very important. Without light, your plants will go into hibernation which will greatly reduce their yield. CHOOSING FISH FOR YOUR AQUAPONICS SYSTEM The final step is choosing the fish to stock in your aquaponics system.

I chose tilapia as they're a hardy fish that's also tasty. Of course, you could go with any freshwater fish here, carp, goldfish and even catfish are common choices, but as a survivalist I like my preparations to have multiple uses. And I'd much rather eat tilapia in a disaster than goldfish. We've currently got about 50 healthy tilapia spread across 10 different aquaponics systems. Which is a ton of protein if the SHTF and the supermarket shelves are stripped bare.

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I love gardening. There's just something soulful about growing your own produce that you then eat at your own table. It also makes your home a little more sustainable, and it gives you something to do. Everyone should grow their own food, and I for one, am enjoying my regular supply of fresh greens and vegetables.

VIP SURVIVAL ACADEMY - FEBRUARY 2018

DO YOU HAVE A HOME DEFENSE PLAN?

Our country is no longer safe. Criminals are getting more brazen, and while your home is your last refuge, there are many who simply do not care about the sanctity of your home. If they want what you have, they will come. From home invasions to robbery, it's up to you to ensure you've got adequate defenses in place to stop these wanton criminals. SECURE YOUR HOME Install a home alarm system that will sound a loud siren anytime the entry points are breached, or it is not deactivated in time. Often burglars will avoid homes simply because they don't want to risk getting caught by the authorities, and even if they do break in, they know they've got limited time before the police arrive. Giving you a chance to survive. KEEP AN EYE OUT Criminals thrive in the dark. Where they can operate unseen and without getting noticed. One of the key steps in your home defense plan is to eliminate this. We've installed floodlights that light up as soon as someone steps in their path, and have security cameras installed at both our front and back doors, and covering the garage. If there's anyone lurking about, we get notified on the app via our smartphone, and can decide the next steps to take. FORTIFY YOUR HOME It seems silly, but this is the most important step. You want there to be no weaknesses in or around your home. For us, we've got a fenced off yard and a rather large gate you need to open to gain entry to our property. Each entry point is a reinforced and solid wood door, and we've made it a habit of keeping these locked. Our windows have security grills that are kept locked, while letting the breeze flow through. Basic precautions like this are what makes your home less of a target to any opportunistic criminals. GET EXPERT ADVICE One trick you can use to get a second opinion is to have your home security company come and do an audit of your property. They've got expert advice on the most common ways criminals break in, and may be able to give you a couple of pointers in better securing your property. Like cutting any plants back that could conceal someone near your front or back doors. BUILD A SAFE ROOM Of course, if you're caught by surprise and there's someone in your home, you need to ensure you've got a safe room to hide in. For us, it's the master bedroom, and we've taken steps to fortify this room as well. The door is reinforced, and we've also got a small arsenal of firearms should it come to that. BE COMFORTABLE WITH YOUR FIREARMS Having weapons is a great start, but if you're not confident using them you're more likely to give the home invaders the advantage. It's important you're comfortable using a gun, so invest in a course and make it a regular habit to get down to the shooting range. Your reaction times and speed could be what keeps your family alive, along with keeping your guns in easy reach should you need them. I've got a pistol that's on my person or locked in my nightstand, and a much larger arsenal in our gun safe in our safe room. HAVE AN ESCAPE PLAN Finally, you want to ensure that no matter what, you've got an escape plan. Our bedroom is on the second floor, and while the windows are barred we can also open this from the inside and use a rope ladder to get to the ground. Just in case. You never know what lengths the intruders will go to once they realize they can't get to you. One of my biggest fears is being trapped in our home while a fire rages below. You want to be able to get out, and get out fast. So have an escape plan.

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VIP SURVIVAL ACADEMY - FEBRUARY 2018 But this isn't always possible. Here’s what to do next. FIND A WAY TO ESCAPE The first step is to use your local knowledge of the area to escape. Perhaps there's a park you can cut through or a driveway that goes through to the block behind. If you're on a more agile vehicle like a quad or a motorbike, use this to your advantage. Just be careful. You don't want to push it too hard and cause an accident. FIND SOMEWHERE TO HIDE Here we use your surroundings to get out of sight.In traffic, try to weave between the cars and use larger vehicles like buses or trucks to place a barrier between you and the car behind. Time it right, and you may be able to escape off an intersection or exit without your tail immediately noticing. BRACE FOR THE SKID

LOSING A TAIL IN YOUR CAR Car chases are a staple in movies today. Hollywood loves a good action scene, but in the real world you're probably not going to be able to use anything you've learnt on the big screen. Which presents a real and present danger. What do you do if there's a car following you? NEVER DRIVE TO YOUR HOME The first rule when you're being followed is to stay away from your home. In a grid-down scenario you're simply leading those behind to your stockpile. I don't care if there's 20 people from your survival group waiting to defend you, never, ever give away your bug out location. Because once the bad guys know where you are, all they need to do is come back with enough firepower to take it by force. And no one is going to come out of that aftermath any good. This also goes for everyday life. If there's a creep tracking you down, don't go to your house. You're arming a potential stalker with valuable intel. Instead, you've got to lose your tail. DETERMINE IF YOU’RE ACTUALLY BEING FOLLOWED Before you let paranoia set in, there's a couple of quick exercises you can do to see if you're actually being followed.

The first is to do a soft loop. If you're in a downtown or city area with lots of crossroads, make a series of four consecutive left (or right) turns. This will drive you in a rough loop, that brings you back to where you started. It is very unlikely that anyone would do this on purpose, and if the car behind keeps on your tail it's a good bet they're following you. The second is to vary your speed. The goal here is to make some pretty drastic changes to your speed, and see what the car behind does. Try changing lanes and dropping your speed by 20 to 30 mph. If they drop back too, wait a few minutes and speed back up. If they're still behind you matching your speed, it's a good bet you're being followed. WHAT TO DO WITH YOUR TAIL Before the SHTF I'd recommend you drive to a secure location. Like the local police station. Give them a call on your cell and let them know what's happening and head straight to their parking lot and follow their instructions. Get on the horn and let them know you're outside, and sit back and let the police handle the situation. You could also drive to a secure complex like a gated university parking lot, a fire station, or even a trusted friend's house who is aware of what's going on.

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This is a move often executed by police teams in high-speed car chases, and will cause the car to spin out of control. It works when those in the following car align their front wheels with the back wheels in your car. Then a quick ram sideways will push the back of your vehicle out, sending you into a spin. In an aggressive car chase pay attention to those following you, and if they try this you can either accelerate, or hit the brakes and get in a position to execute this maneuver on their car. BE WILLING TO FIGHT BACK The first step involves showing your weapon, but be warned. Doing so is a crime in most states, and it can also trig ger those following to start shooting. Do this when you have no other option. But it's also rather difficult to shoot accurately from a moving vehicle. If you can, aim for the windshield, their tires, and any assailants hanging out the windows shooting back at you. Car chases in real life are nothing like the movies. If you suspect you're being followed the safest move is to avoid going to your home, and take steps to try and lose the car that's behind. If you're particularly concerned a defensive driving course can boost your confidence behind the wheel, and as someone who has done his fair share, they're also really fun. Stay safe people.

VIP SURVIVAL ACADEMY - FEBRUARY 2018

SURVIVAL PLANNING FOR YOUR ELDERLY RELATIVES When it comes to survival planning, you need a solution for every possible scenario, and ensuring you've prepared for your elderly relatives is rather important. The trick to a good survival plan is ensuring it's comprehensive enough that it covers each member in your family. And getting old is a fact of life. We'll all get there eventually, and I believe it's your role as a survivalist to do everything in your power to keep your loved ones alive. Unless you're wanting to leave Grandma to fend for herself, there's a few things I recommend getting organized. And don't delay, some of these items are critical to ensuring your loved ones are safe in a disaster. No matter how old they are. Now a good starting point is your own sur vival plan. Star t here, with identifying the risks in your area, building a stockpile of supplies and an escape route should it be necessary to evacuate your home. But there's a few more things I'd recommend. SECURE MEDICINE FOR COMMON CONDITIONS Of course, as you age your body breaks down. Which can leave you fragile, with a host of medical conditions that could be challenges to your survival prepping. Based on what my grandmother needs, I've added a few precautions to my kit.

“these items are critical to ensuring your loved ones are safe…

We've got anti-inflammation pills along with cannabis oil for her arthritis, and a whole heap of cold and flu medicine as even one night on the road and she develops a cough. I've also packed painkillers in case she takes a tumble and I've got a few extra series of antibiotics just in case. Oh, and a few months' worth of her heart medication. If there's any specific medical conditions your elderly relatives have, make sure to account for this in your plan. Diabetes is a common ailment for seniors to develop, and if it affects your loved ones you must have a plan. The goal is to have contingencies in place so that these medical conditions don't slow you down or set you off-course when the SHTF. HAVE A SURVIVAL STOCKPILE Much like any survival plans, having a backup generator with enough fuel to keep your power going is a smart move. Along with food, water, medical supplies and everything you would need to live for a few months with the entire grid down. The only caveat here for the elderly would be to ensure the foods in your stockpile are soft and easy to eat, and you've got tools like an easy-to-use can opener. STAY MOBILE AND BE ABLE TO EVACUATE Keeping your body fit becomes a challenge as you get older, as you simply start to slow down. But encourage your elderly relatives to stay in shape. A daily walk with their dog, an hour gardening, or anything you can encourage them to do to get off their couch and keep active is a win. The more mobile they are, the easier it will be to evacuate when the time comes. Don't let your relatives live a sedentary lifestyle. I'd also recommend investing in hiking poles or a walking stick to give them an additional balance, or if needed a walker is also an excellent choice. If they're immobile and rely on an electric wheelchair or scooter, ensure you've got a backup battery that's fully charged, along with a manual (nonelectric) alternative just in case. PUT TOGETHER A SENIOR BUG OUT BAG My grandmother can't carry much, but that doesn't stop her from wanting to help. So, we've put together a bug out kit for her that's light enough for her to carry, and is packed with a few comforts for her.

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Extra underwear. Comfortable walking shoes. A jacket. A pair of glasses. And a few laminated pictures of the family. Plus, it's got all of her medical supplies inside, prescription meds, insurance details and the contact details of her doctors. That way she also feels like she's taking care of herself, which is important. Oh, and don't forget a means of self-defense. The elderly are often targeted, so having a firearm (and being able to use it) is a smart move. BE ABLE TO COMMUNICATE When a crisis hits you want to be able to get in touch immediately, so I'd recommend getting them a two-way radio so you can connect. We've set my grandmother up with a CB radio, along with a rather large base antenna. A cell phone is also good, but be warned these can go down if the network is congested. I've also got her a solar powered radio, so she can tune in and listen to any important safety messages when the powers' out. KNOW THE SURVIVAL PLAN When a crisis hits things are going to be complete and utter chaos. Not only will the streets not be safe, the aftermath of the disaster can take the grid down, and cause widespread damage and destruction that takes months to recover from. It's therefore critical your elderly loved ones know what to do when a crisis hits. Obviously hunkering down is the best option, and if they need to bug out ensure they know to either wait for you, or to meet you at a predetermined location. Survival planning for your elderly relatives is rather similar to making your own survival plans. The trick is to think long-term, and ensure you've got everything you need to keep them fit, happy and healthy, even as they age. Get these in order, and you'll be well on your way to helping them survive, no matter what.

VIP SURVIVAL ACADEMY - FEBRUARY 2018

THE RIGHT WAY TO EVACUATE A BUILDING When a disaster strikes, it can come hard and fast, which makes it critical you've got a plan in place beforehand if you want to survive. If you spend any significant amount of time away from your home, perhaps in an office building or your school, it's important to know what to do if there's an emergency. Even a rough idea of a plan will help you get out of a bad situation as fast as possible. K N O W T H E E VA C UA T I O N ROUTE

Often, these routes will be highlighted on a map that's next to the fire exit doors, underneath a neon EXIT sign. If I'm somewhere new, taking even just thirty seconds to orient myself with the escape routes is a smart move, because you just never know what may happen. HAVE AN EVACUATION KIT HANDY Having a go-to evacuation kit is something I recommend everyone setup.

The smartest thing you can do when you enter any new building is to know and take a little time to study the evacuation routes.

Mine doesn't take up a whole lot of space, and it's tucked in under my desk, out of sight but within easy reach if I ever need it. In my opinion, I'd much rather have the right items to get out of the building safely.

Of course, you're going to know how to get back to where you came in, but there will often be a fire escape or stairwell you can take to get to safety if this route is blocked.

Don't waste time collecting anything more than your evacuation kit. I usually stick my everyday carry in here when I get to the office, so it's ready to grab and go in seconds.

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Take only what's within arm's reach, and start evacuating as fast as possible. You can replace belongings. FOLLOW A SAFE ROUTE TO THE EXIT When a disaster hits you want to be getting out of the building as quickly as possible, but I'd also recommend knowing a few different escape routes. Of course, you're definitely going to w a n t t o a vo i d u s i n g a n y t h i n g mechanical, like the lifts, as these will easily fail in a fire or a power outage. You should also avoid trying to escape through makeshift areas. Like through the kitchens, as these are filled with gas and cooking materials that could pose a bigger risk to your safety if they ignite. The safest route is usually the fire escape, so look for the signs, and start heading down the stairs as fast as you can. Speed can make a big difference.

VIP SURVIVAL ACADEMY - FEBRUARY 2018

WHAT’S IN MY EVACUATION KIT Flashlight. I'm not trusting the lights on the internal stairwell to work, so it's important to have another source of light if we do need to evacuate in the dark. It's completely internal, without a flashlight we'd be trying to navigate the stairs blind if the emergency power hasn't kicked in. Whistle. In addition to the strobe feature on my, having a decent whistle is a good investment in your emergency kit. If you're trying to signal for help, or happen to get trapped inside the building, it can alert any first responders that you're still inside. Crowbar. This got me a weird look when I first brought it in through security, but I told them it was to open a jammed cupboard and they waved me through. In a disaster, this is probably going to be your most valuable tool. To open jammed doors, break through internal glass walls, and help you break through any areas where the exits are blocked. Work gloves. You don't want to be trying to clear debris, broken glass, and everything else with your bare hands, so invest in a decent pair of work gloves. They should be durable enough to protect your palms from injury, as you'll be no help to anybody if you get your hands injured. Fire extinguisher. I've been told I'm overdoing it with this addition, but I've got a compact (car-sized) fire extinguisher prepared and ready in my evacuation kit. That way, if an exit is blocked or someone needs help, I can quickly douse the flames and get through. It's only a small one, but I see it as critical. Dust mask. After years working construction, I can honestly tell you concrete dust sucks. It gets into everything, and you can be sure if there's any kind of damage to the build you won't want to be breathing it in. Buy a decent dust mask and keep it in your emergency kit. Safety goggles. The last item on the list is to protect your eyes. If you're blinded by smoke, dust and debris you're not going to be of any help to anyone, so buy a good pair that have both an anti-fog coating, and form a tight seal around your face to protect against any smoke.

It goes without saying that you should be collecting anyone along the way who has started to panic or shut down with fear. Pick them up, dust them off, and bring them with you. They'll usually comply, but make sure that whatever you're doing to help them doesn't put you in danger. Your first priority is to get out of the building, and your family comes first. But that doesn't mean you need to push others out of the way as you evacuate. Be civil people.

GET CLEAR OF THE BUILDING Once you've made it to ground level and are safe from immediate danger, don't stop there. Depending on the situation, my advice is to get at least a couple of blocks away. The first stop though is if there's a designated meeting place. Stop by and make sure your colleagues know you've made it out alright, and what the next steps are. If there's any first responders like police or the fire department on the scene, check in with them and let them know if you, or anyone with you was injured during the evacuation.

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If you've got any insights on what's happening inside the building let the authorities know, then get well clear of the area. Evacuating a building safely is all about being prepared in advance, so you can get clear fast. Having the right gear can help you speed up the escape process, and the best time to start getting this organized is right now. You never know when a real disaster will hit.

VIP SURVIVAL ACADEMY - FEBRUARY 2018

ESCAPING FROM YOUR KIDNAPPERS Being kidnapped is terrifying. It places you at the complete and utter mercy of those who have taken you. And these are mostly likely not the friendliest individuals. I'm going to be honest, getting kidnapped puts you in a precarious position. It's often a life or death situation. But before you start plotting your own escape you need to consider the why. WHY HAVE YOU BEEN TAKEN? If it's for a financial ransom, and assuming your family has the means to pay it, you need to realize your kidnappers are going to operate like a business. You're probably safest if you sit tight and wait for the money to come through. If, however you've been captured as a political prisoner, as part of a human trafficking ring, or simply caught the eye of a sadistic psychopath, you're better off trying to escape. You never know what kind of torment they'll submit you to if you don’t. WHEN TO ACTUALLY ESCAPE The initial kidnapping is your best chance of escape, especially if it's going down in a public place. Of course, if your attackers are in your home it can be difficult to follow these steps, your focus then should be on escaping your restraints and getting out of your home to get help.

SCREAM TO GET ATTENTION

FIND A PUBLIC PLACE

Your first means of defense is to raise the alarm. Scream, and try to enlist the help of any bystanders who may give you the chance to overpower your attacker and escape. Shouting "fire" works better than "help", and if you've got the ability to smash any glass, do it. The sound carries and may draw more attention than your cries alone.

As you're running, look for the most public place you can find.

BE WILLING TO FIGHT BACK If you're somewhere that no help is coming, it may be up to you to fight back and save yourself. Your very life may depend on it, so don't hold anything back. Using tools like pepper spray or a strikelight can give you an edge in a fight, targeting the most vulnerable areas on your opponent. Go for the throat, the eyes, the genitals and hit as fast and hard as you can. GET READY TO RUN Once you've got the opportunity to escape, it's going to involve running. Most likely, they'll have a vehicle they were intending to restrain you in, so pay attention to which car is theirs. Then run in the opposite direction. If you can cut through any areas their car cannot pass, like the wheel stops in a parking lot, use these to put distance between you and your kidnapper.

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Your kidnapper is very unlikely to continue pursuing you if you've headed into a mall or a place with lots of people. Which will give you the chance to call the police while those around you discourage the kidnapper from trying anything else. They may even simply leave once they realize you're no longer an easy target.

“the initial kidnapping is your best chance of escape…”

VIP SURVIVAL ACADEMY - FEBRUARY 2018 cont.

ESCAPING ROPES

ESCAPING FROM A CAR

But fleeing the initial kidnapping isn't always possible.

Getting out of ropes requires a little deception on your part. When you're being tied, the trick here is to act compliant, while actually creating a small gap between your wrists.

If you've been taken, you're most likely to be stuffed in the trunk of a car. But it's still not hopeless. Many cars have an emergency release mechanism to pop the trunk, and if it doesn't you could always use the jack (tucked in the side panel) to force it open, or to kick out the rear taillights in the hope someone notices your arm sticking out and calls the authorities.

Perhaps they surprised you. Or overpowered you. The next step is to break free from your restraints so you can escape. ESCAPING HANDCUFFS Getting out of handcuffs is relatively straightforward with the right materials. There's shoelace caps that are handcuff keys, and I've also got a single key I've bought and keep on my keychain. You can also buy rings that conceal shims, which is a thin strip of metal that inserts between the handcuff teeth and locking pawl, allowing it to be slipped open. Without these, you can also pick the lock with a hairpin, but I'd recommend doing a little practice first. It takes time to get the knack for it.

Present your fists with knuckles pointing towards your kidnapper, that conceals the gap between your arms. Try to keep your arms as close to your stomach as possible, and once you're alone start twisting your arms to widen the gap until the rope slips off your hands. ESCAPING DUCT TAPE AND ZIP TIES Getting out of duct tape is relatively straightforward, it just requires a little momentum. If your arms are restrained stretch the tape as tight as possible, raise your hands above your head and swing them down to hit your stomach. You need to do it hard for it to work, but the force of the impact will cause the duct tape to tear, and you'll get your hands free. You can use a similar technique to break zip ties.

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Being kidnapped is a scary thought. If you've not been able to escape the initial grab, it's important to keep your wits about you. Pay attention to where you've been taken, any intel you can gain from those who have taken you, and force yourself to stay positive. When the opportunity to escape presents itself, you need to be ready to take it. You may not get a second chance.