July 2017

DON’T MISS: YOUR CHECKLIST WHEN A DISASTER STRIKES

WHY SHOOTING PRACTICE IS IMPORTANT

IN THIS ISSUE:

JULY 2017

STAY ALIVE ON A DESERTED ISLAND

STAYING PREPARED IN COLLEGE

SURVIVE A TERROR ATTACK

TEACH YOUR KIDS SURVIVAL

MISTAKES TO AVOID IN A HOME INVASION

WHY A TARP IS A KEY SURIVIAL ITEM and more…

VIP SURVIVAL ACADEMY - JULY 2017

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Contents

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FEATURED

WHY SHOOTING PRACTICE IS IMPORTANT Owning a gun is one thing, but becoming proficient enough to rely on it in a disaster or survival scenario is a whole other story. When the SHTF there really is no substitute for…

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HOW TO RESTOCK IF YOU’RE CAUGHT WITHOUT YOUR STOCKPILE OF SUPPLIES Being on the road is part of my job. I travel for work, which means I'm in and out of airports more than you could possibly believe…

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WHY I BELIEVE CONCEALED CARRY IS THE RIGHT CHOICE I'm a red-blooded American. I like hunting, and I definitely agree with the right to bear arms. But when it comes to my every-day life, it's just not practical to carry openly…

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TIPS FOR SURIVIVING A TERROR ATTACK It's a sad fact of life that the world we live in is no longer safe. Schools, movie theaters, and even concert halls have all been targeted in recent years, as terrorism is on the rise…

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BEING A SURVIVALIST WHEN YOU’RE IN COLLEGE One of the last things on your mind when you're off at college is disaster planning. Because college is a time when you're young, you’re indestructible, so why concern yourself…

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FUN ACTIVITIES TO TEACH YOUR KIDS SURVIVAL SKILLS I've been a survivalist for far longer than I've been a dad, and one of the most important lessons I want to teach my kids is the basics of survival…

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MISTAKES TO AVOID IN A HOME INVASION I'm not one to get scared easily, but home invasions scare me. The thought of someone breaking into your home is bad enough. But once you start running through the likely outcomes…

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HOW TO STAY ALIVE ON A DESERTED ISLAND It sounds romantic until you start digging into the details, but if you ever find yourself stuck on a deserted island you're in big trouble…

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WHY A TARP SHOULD ALWAYS BE IN YOUR BUG-OUT KIT One of the biggest lessons I've learnt when it comes to bugging out, is that less is more. Every extra pound in your bag is weighing you down, making you a little less mobile…

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VIP SURVIVAL ACADEMY - JULY 2017

WHY SHOOTING PRACTICE IS IMPORTANT Owning a gun is one thing, but becoming proficient enough to rely on it in a disaster or survival scenario is a whole other story. When the SHTF there really is no substitute for experience, and if you want to be a great shot it boils down to one simple fact. You're going to need to shoot. And shoot a lot. To develop any sort of confidence, accuracy or proficiency with your guns, you need practice. Because what sticks out time and time again is just how unprepared the average person is when it comes to firearm use. Sure, we've all got a few guns and a ton of ammo stocked up, and perhaps even a bunch of spare parts and all the gunrelated goodies we could get out hands on. But that means squat if we don't know how to shoot. Being proficient with a gun is more than just being able to blast out some empty beer cans at 30 paces. Take a look at this clip. This is what professional level shooting training looks like. If you're wanting to have any hope of protecting your family with the weapons you've stockpiled, you need to take formal classes, and get expert training. The biggest problem I've

“To develop any sort of confidence, with your guns, you need practice..

found with my new students is they figured they'd be able to teach themselves how to shoot. The problem here is you can learn bad habits, or just imply give up and think you'll figure it out when you need to. But what happens if you're confronted? Or find yourself in a situation where you need to defend yourself with lethal force, and you've got no clue how to properly aim or take a shot. Most likely, the gun will be taken from you, and turned back on you. And that's not a good situation to be in. The first step is to find a qualified instructor. FIND THE RIGHT SHOOTING INSTRUCTOR It can be tough for a new shooter to know what makes for a good trainer, but in my experience the best thing you can do is ask around. Speak to the staff in your gun store if they have any recommendations, and there may even be info or brochures on their counter. Next, ihead down to the range and talk to the manager, or the instructor. You want to ask as many questions as possible, from the details of the classes, to the services available at the range and a list of references if available. START FROM THE BASICS If you've been around guns as long as I have it may feel like you're going backwards if you start with one of the most elementary classes, but do it anyway. It's a good refresher on the basics of gun use, and you'll make friends with others in the class who will be progressing alongside you. Plus, many ranges usually offer discounts or the free use of the range during certain hours, which can help you to obtain more experience shooting your guns. With time, I'd also recommend taking their advanced classes, specifically on offensive training and long-range shooting. After a while, good shooting will become second-nature. BECOME AN INSTINCTIVE SHOOTER The more you handle and use your guns, the faster your confidence will grow. The key is to keep training, shooting, and drawing your weapon until it's almost second-nature to use it. You want to be able to grab your gun, and arm yourself without a second's

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thought. That's what you need to achieve if you ever hope to use a gun to defend yourself, but don't just stop at shooting practice. You want to be comfortable carrying your weapon, drawing and shooting, so that each shot you land is in the kill zone. I'd also recommend spending time on reloads, so you're able to properly execute these even in the middle of a shooting string. Start slow at first until you're comfortable, and once you've got it down start practicing this at speed. Don't rely on one single gun The last and final lesson is not to limit yourself to a single type of gun, or even a make and model. You want to be as comfortable shooting a rifle at 100 yards as you are with your handgun at 10. Regular practice with every gun you own is a good idea, so if you ever need to rely on these for defense you've got skills and experience to rely on. For me, I usually only take one gun to the range at a time, but I have a rotation that ensures I'm shooting my rifles, shotgun, and even my dad's old pistol every month, and I'm very confident with them all. Because you never know what gun you may need to rely on, if your first preference fails, or is not available for you. The only thing I can promise you about a SHTF situation is that it's going to surprise you, and you're going to have to rely on your wits to survive. The wider range of shooting skills you gain today, will only help to keep you a live when a disaster strikes. So don't be lazy. If you own a firearm ensure you've taken active shooting classes to hone your skills, and ensure you're able to effectively use a number of different guns. As a responsible gun owner, it's both your duty and what you were trying to achieve anyway when you bought the gun. Sign up for shooting lessons, and learn what it takes to master every firearm you own. These skills may just save your life, or the life of a loved one, so what are you waiting for?

VIP SURVIVAL ACADEMY - JULY 2017

HOW TO RESTOCK IF YOU’RE CAUGHT WITHOUT YOUR STOCKPILE Being on the road is part of my job. I travel for work, which means I'm in and out of airports more than you could possibly believe. For a survivalist, this presents a massive red flag.

All I had with me was a change of clothes and my toothbrush. Being totally honest, I would have been in big trouble if that earthquake had done any real damage, and I would have needed to act fast if I wanted to have any hope to survive.

Every time I leave my home, and all of my stockpiled supplies, I am gambling. I am at risk of something happening that I am not fully prepared for, and that scares me.

Which is the point of this post today. The workarounds you need to follow if you're caught in an emergency, and don't have access to your survival stockpile.

Of course, my EDC comes with me every time I have checked bags, but sometimes I don't even have this as an option. If I'm headed interstate for just the night, it's cheaper and more convenient to travel without booking extra luggage. And with most airlines charging fees for checked bags, it's becoming more and more frequently that I'm travelling unprepared.

THE CONVENIENCE OF NO HEAVY LUGGAGE

Over the weekend, I experienced a small earthquake in a town I was visiting. Not enough to do any real damage, just a few seconds of unease as I felt the ground move. It barely registered on the Richter scale, but it got me thinking. Would I have been ready if something worse had happened?

We've covered what you should have in your everyday carry (EDC) pretty thoroughly in a previous post, but many of these item's you're going to struggle getting onto an airplane. You won't pass security with knives or a firearm, and definitely not anything flammable from your fire-starting kit. So, without any checked luggage, the most you're going to have with you is a flashlight, your smartphone and a small battery pack, a little extra money I'm going to say this again. Travelling without a fully-stocked EDC is a gamble, but I do it for convenience. It's a balance. I can bring less survival gear, but it also makes an emergency more convenient.

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There's no heavy suitcase to lug around. I could cancel a flight and swap to another airline, or even take the bus without trying to get my checked bags back. I can change routes if weather or any emergencies see my plans rerouted. Plus, it gets me out of the airport faster, so I'm first in line at the car rental agency, and you'll never have to worry about an airline losing your bags.

“Would I have been ready if something worse had happened?

VIP SURVIVAL ACADEMY - JULY 2017

WHAT YOU NEED WHEN A DISASTER STRIKES These days, I have checked bags on less than half of the flights I take. But if a disaster strikes, here's what I'd be finding:

1. Protective clothes to stay insulated from the elements 2. A shelter where I can get out of the weather and stay dry 3. A reliable source of water that is not contaminated 4. A system for purifying and storing any water I collect 5. Enough calories to keep me fed throughout the disaster 6. Weapons to protect myself from any other people

cont. I've had luggage lost, and it's not fun. Waiting 48 hours for your belongings to be returned to you, after an airline's mistake sent them to the other side of the world. Now let's imagine something has just gone down. Perhaps an earthquake, it could also be an EMP strike, or any of a hundred other examples of a localized disaster. This is the time to take immediate action. Forget the people who are milling around, trying to film the crisis, or call their loved ones while the phone system is down, my first priority is to start getting supplies. Of course, I'd send a quick text to my wife to let her know I'm all OK. But a longer chat can come later. Now is the time to ensure I make it through the disaster. First stop, a sporting goods store. If you can get somewhere like REI or even Walmart, you'd be able to buy everything you need. Take the money you've got with you, and stock up on everything you need. $300 should more than cover it, but when I'm travelling like this I usually

carry a little more cash, just in case, and I've also got a credit card that'll work if the store's systems are up. Just don't rely on your credit card, often in a crisis they'll accept cash only. BUT WHAT HAPPENS IF THERE'S NO SPORTING GOODS STORE? Instead, I'd hit up a pharmacy or a grocery. You want the homewares section. Duct tape and heavy-duty garbage bags can substitute for a tarp, grab a flashlight, and don't forget to stock up on batteries, matches and anything else you may need. For food, I'd grab a bunch of highdensity foods that will keep me going without needing to prepare them. Energy bars, protein powder, even muesli bars can stack up the calories you need to keep going, without adding a whole lot of weight to your kit. Finally, I'd find something to defend myself with. You're probably not going to be able to buy a firearm without background checks and a whole lot of paperwork, so get creative.

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A crowbar can be a good clubbing weapon, so can a hammer, or even a box-cutter. Look around at what's available, and ensure you've got something to protect yourself with. Of course, I'd be much safer with my concealed carry firearm or a can of pepper spray, but having something is better than nothing. And that's what survival is all about. Having the right gear is a bonus, but if you've thought ahead and have the right survival mindset, you'll be able to improvise. Plus, if you're quick enough you can get everything you need before true panic sets in, and the shelves in the shops are stripped bare.

VIP SURVIVAL ACADEMY - JULY 2017

WHY I BELIEVE CONCEALED CARRY IS THE RIGHT CHOICE

Oh and you lose probably one of the most important things in self-defense. The element of surprise. You can maintain your tactical advantage by keeping your firearm hidden and out of sight, so if you ever do need to use it, the bad guys are not ready for it. YOU STAY A STEP AHEAD

I'm a red-blooded American. I like hunting, and I definitely agree with the right to bear arms. But when it comes to my every-day life, it's just not practical to carry openly. It can put people off-side, and you get treated much differently when you're noticeably armed. That's why I started carrying concealed. And I was shocked at the different way I've been treated. I no longer get sidelong glances from concerned h o u s e w i ve s w h e n I ' m g r o c e r y shopping, or have security guards jump to attention when I simply walk past. It really makes that much of a difference. For me personally, I'm armed and able to defend myself, and that's all I care about. Here's why I believe concealing your firearm is the right choice. YOU’RE NOT VISIBLY ARMED This first reason is probably the main reason why I got my concealed carry license. I know it's a constitutional right to own and carry a firearm, but I wasn't comfortable advertising to the world around me that I was armed and loaded at all times. It puts people off-side, and by certain I mean the majority of the general population. You just get treated differently.

“when it comes to my everyday life, it's just not practical to carry openly..

Now this was a point raised to me by a good friend, who is also a lawenforcement officer. Not every criminal is a loose cannon. They don't all burst in the door and start waving a gun around. Some are cunning. Some are smart. And some, actually make a plan before they hit their intended target. Of course, this presents a danger to you. If you're openly carrying a firearm, you may be singled out and targeted first, as you represent one of the biggest threats to their plan. Or, it may be enough of a deterrent that they simply decide not to go ahead with their plans. But that's a big gamble, and when it's your life that hangs in the balance, I wouldn't risk it. By carrying concealed, you can hide your firearm and slip under the radar when anyone is casing a potential target, or identifying threats in the area. Personally, I'd rather have the element of surprise than find myself being shot at first, but that's just me. DONT NEED TO AVOID LAW ENFORECEMENT Now this is a tricky one. Online and you’ll find plenty of confrontations between police officers and those who openly carry, because many officers just don't get it. The officers are doing their part to "protect the public" but they lack the knowledge of what's actually legal. And the general public are just calling in what they see as a threat. So the officers get calls saying "there's a man with a gun." Now, if you're on the receiving end of that call, how can you possibly understand the circumstances around the situation? That's why many police officers are very aggressive on their approach, because they want to take charge of the situation. Which can often end very badly. When you carry concealed, you avoid many of these situations, as the people in the general public who would be inclined to call and report you, don't actually notice your weapon.

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You're flying under the radar now, and skipping straight past those accusing looks and negative attention. Plus, avoiding confrontations altogether means neither you, or the police officers, are ever in potential danger. D O N ” T N E E D TO WO R RY ABOUT THE PUBLIC The news has played a big part in this, as the general public, in general, get pretty upset when they see another normal person carrying a gun. It's what they've been conditioned to believe by both the media and news outlets. That crazy gun owners are running riot on the streets ready to shoot at anything that blinks. In my experience, the general feeling I receive when I wear my gun openly is hostility. People get upset, accuse me of all sorts of things, and once someone even ran away. I was waiting in line at an ATM, and there was a security guard about 10 yards from me. Unfortunately, you've got to care about this. Unless you're living somewhere rural where open carry is readily accepted, the general population just isn't ready to accept that people want to be able to defend themselves. Our gun rights are already under attack in enough states, I'd much rather carry concealed and not provoke anyone to petition or call for further restrictions. It seems like with every new shooting on the news people are calling for harsher restrictions on gun owners, but this isn't going to help. Once a terrorist has decided to make a stand and hurt those around them, they will go to whatever means necessary to do it. If firearms are not available, they'll find another way. What's important, is you've got the ability to defend yourself if the situation ever calls for it.

VIP SURVIVAL ACADEMY - JULY 2017 should your life ever be in danger. Generally, you'll need to take a short class, have a background check run, and pay a fee. Then you can legally carry your gun with you, at all times. If you're not comfortable with guns, you could always opt for a non-lethal form of self defense like a taser, a stun gun, or even a can of pepper spray. Just do me two favors. 1. Carry it with you at all times. 2. Know how to actually use it. I can't tell you the amount of people I've met who are confident, yet lack real self-defensive or shooting skills. ACT ON YOUR PLANS

TIPS FOR SURVIVING A TERROR ATTACK It's a sad fact of life that the world we live in is no longer safe. Schools, movie theaters, and even concert halls have all been targeted in recent years, as terrorism is on the rise, all over the world. Perhaps it's to push their religious agenda, or simply a frustrated teen wanting to make a name for themselves, the real trick, is to avoid getting caught up in a bad situation yourself. If you want to ensure you survive, there's four key rules to follow. INCREASE YOUR AWARENESS This goes for any crime. If you want to avoid becoming a victim, you need to be aware of what's going on around you. The military calls it situational awareness, but to me, it's just a matter of paying attention. Paying attention to the things around you. In any terror attack, there is an element of preparation needed. The terrorist will need to arrive on the scene, and whilst you may only have a few seconds to notice something is wrong, a few seconds could be enough. Most of us aren't paying attention when we're out and about. Our faces are buried in smartphones, and you could walk straight past your best friend without even knowing they were there. Look up, and look around. That’s all.

I make it a game. First, I figure out what "normal" looks like. What people are wearing, doing, and acting like. Then, I look for outliers. Things that are out of place, or don't belong. Like the guy in a trenchcoat in the middle of summer, or the delivery van parked on the corner that's not moving. Once you've found the risks, consider what your plan of action would be. Is there anywhere nearby you could use for cover, or do you have alternative escape routes. That way, if something does happen you can react immediately. B E C A R E F U L I N TA R G E T AREAS Now this could be anywhere that's in the spotlight, with a big crowd of people. But if you hid at home from every potential threat you'd not get to enjoy much of your life at all. Just be careful if you're in a public place with a lot of people around, as terrorists like to cause a scene. More people equals more press. BE READY TO DEFEND YOURSELF I don't go anywhere without my firearm. If you don't have your license, get it. It's not all that difficult, and it gives you something to fight back with

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If you're up against an act of terror, your first priority needs to be getting yourself and your family to safety. Perhaps standing your ground and fighting back is your only option, or it could well be that you are better off turning tail and running the other way. I'll say this again. Do not put yourself at risk to be a hero. Fighting back is definitely a good plan, but only if you've not got any options, because, well, you may not make it out alive. If you have the chance to run, do it. As you do so, keep an eye out for any possible ways that you can escape. Is there another exit you noticed on the way into the building, or a potential escape route through the staff-only corridors. Surviving also means acting on your plans, and having a sense of purpose when everyone is cowering in fear or not knowing what to do. Some of my friends like to call me paranoid, as I'll do this every single time I walk into a building. I make a plan of escape, and I also create a plan B, which is my "last stand" plan. I think about where I'd position myself in the room to get both cover and take out a potential shooter. That way, should anything ever happen, I can react in a split-second. Of course, following these rules is one thing, but they also don't guarantee you'll make it out of a bad situation. All they do is give you a baseline of the right way to react, which sends your chances of survival through the roof. So pay attention, be ready to defend yourself, and stick to your plan. That's how you'll survive.

VIP SURVIVAL ACADEMY - JULY 2017

BEING A SURVIVALIST WHILE YOU’RE IN COLLEGE One of the last things on your mind when you're off at college is disaster planning. Because college is a time w h e n y o u ' r e y o u n g. Yo u f e e l indestructible, so why would you even concern yourself with preparedness. You're just having a ball with all the other freshmen. Until something goes wrong. If something does happen when you're away from home, it's a good idea to have a plan in place, just in case. What you prepare now, could make all the difference in keeping you, and your friends, alive. But it's not going to be easy. There are three massive challenges you need to overcome before you can even start planning. 1. The lack of space to store much of anything in your dorm. 2. The inability to carry firearms or personal defense items on campus. 3. The adjustments to make to best understand the threats faced. Here's how I'd approach disaster preparedness if I was back in college.

MAKE A PLAN FOR THE MOST LIKELY EVENTS

EXPLORE AND LEARN YOUR ESCAPE ROUTES

The first step to take is to determine what's most likely to happen in the area where you're studying. Perhaps where you've moved to a location that has a tornado risk, or you're now living close to a fault line and an earthquake is the most likely.

One thing I enjoyed in my college days was wandering around campus. It's so lively, and there's always people everywhere. But I bet, that once you know your way to class, you're going to follow that same route, every, single day. It's totally normal, but it puts you at a disadvantage.

Take your time and do a little research on your area, so you have all the information you need to create a proper plan. Then, figure out your best course of action should any of these occur. For me, I lived about 300 miles from my family home during college, and my plan was always to evacuate. That involved never letting the gas in my car drop below half-full, and ensuring I had enough supplies in my car to complete the hike on foot, should the situation ever call for it. K E E P I M P O R TA N T I N F O HANDY One thing I'd do straight away is to setup your phone with your emergency contacts. In addition to basics like your mom and dad, pre-load in the numbers for the police and fire departments, the emergency department of the closest hospital, and any support numbers for the security team on your campus.

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You need to explore and learn your way around the different buildings and dorms, so if there is ever an event like an active shooter, you can quickly head

“a can of pepper spray is always a good back up…

VIP SURVIVAL ACADEMY - JULY 2017 cont. to the closest exit. I'd even recommend practicing using these a couple of times, so you know exactly where you're going if an emergency ever occurs. I'd also plan out who is going to be your main point of contact, and ensure they know what you're planning to do during a disaster should it happen. They are your first call when a crisis hits. This is a basic point in a communication plan, but often your phone's signal is going to be the first thing that goes down. Your point of contacts job is to ensure the rest of your loved ones know what you're planning, and that you’re safe. HAVE YOUR GO-BAG READY Even if you're sharing a dorm there will be enough space for your go-bag, so don't neglect setting this up. Again, pack light so it doesn't take up too much space, as that's one of the most limiting factors when you're living in college. You need a small first aid kit, enough non-perishable food to last a day or two, bottled water, and a decent flashlight with a spare set of batteries. I'd also recommend tossing a good quality sleeping bag in there as well, it'll come in handy should the heat go off during the middle of winter. Oh, and if they fit, those "under the bed" storage containers are a great way to have supplies on hand, but out of sight. If you've g ot a car, I'd recommend upping the amount of food and water you're hoarding so there's at least enough to last a week. LEARN BASIC SURVIVAL SKILLS This isn't rocket science, but even just a general knowledge of topics like first aid can prove very useful in a crisis. You'll learn techniques like CPR, as well as how to patch up some common injuries. I'd also recommend taking a selfdefense course, just in case you ever need to fight back, being able to throw a decent punch can make all the difference. And a can of pepper spray is always a good back up for a campus that doesn't allow firearms.

shape. Your fitness may very well be the thing that helps you escape the disaster when it happens. Finally, take the time to learn the basics of good situational awareness. The biggest threat you're realistically going to face on campus is the people who mean to do you harm. So, keep your wits about you, and don't walk around with your headphones in and your nose buried in your phone. Otherwise you're going to be the one the criminals do target.

Oh, and make use of your student-level prices at the gym to get yourself in top

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I understand that many people are going to think that having a survival mindset while they're in college isn't really "cool." But to me, making it through a crisis unscathed is my only goal. And to be successful, you should always remember the principles of Operational Security. Keep your preparations to yourself, and never make a big deal about the supplies and gear you're hoarding. That's how to be a survivalist while you're in college.

VIP SURVIVAL ACADEMY - JULY 2017

FUN ACTIVITIES TO TEACH YOUR KIDS SURVIVAL SKILLS

#1. LIGHTS OUT My daughter was scared the first time the power cut in a storm, and rightly so. It was windy, with thunder, lighting and rain, and we were pitched into darkness. Since then, we play lights out. Cut the power, and shout "lights out." We've taught our kids where the flashlights are, and after a couple of rounds they are starting to enjoy when we cook dinner on the grill, and sleep by the fireplace in our living room roasting marshmallows. It's like movie night but with real family bonding, and I love it. #2. INSTANT PICNICS To test the my kid's bug out bags, we do "instant picnics." With zero notice, I’ll announce its time to go, and we've got to be ready and out the front door within 2 minutes. My kids have got to make do with what’s packed in their bug out bags. It's a fun time to show them how to use items, like the water filter in their pack, and we always review what could be better for next time. #3. BACKYARD CAMP OUTS This is like an extension of our lights out game, but we take it a step further and do a camp out in our backyard. Complete with tents, cooking over an open fire, and even using a bush toilet. There's nothing better than sleeping under the open stars, and it gets your kids comfortable with being in the outdoors, and setting up all of their gear. #4. CONTROL THE FIRE Once my kids were old enough I tasked them with controlling the fire. It's less of a game, more of a responsibility, and my two kids love it. They'll collect wood, and know how to properly stack the tinder bundle and kindling so it'll light up when they're ready. Anytime you can teach and delegate "important" tasks like these to your kids, do it. It gives them skills and boosts their confidence. #5. HIDE AND GO SEEK My daughter loves playing this game, often refusing to let us do any of the hiding as the loves being the one who is being hunted. But what we've done is teach both our kids the "safest" parts of the house to hide in, while we pretend it's difficult to actually find them. This is one of the best ways to reinforce where your kids should run and hide to if there's ever an intruder in your home. #6. BUILD A FORT Each time we go camping, I have our kids build a “fort.” Initially they were unable to get even the basics together, but with a bit of guidance, they're quite comfortable now at getting a rough bed together, along with a roof and walls to keep any rain out. In fact, my son now prefers sleeping in the shelter he's built on our property over the tent we got him last Christmas. Go figure. #7. GROW A GARDEN Kids love playing in the dirt, but if you give them some responsibility they can thrive. Their own section of garden is a great way for your kids to learn about how to plant and grow their own vegetables, a skill that's invaluable should they ever need to live a sustainable lifestyle. Plus, they will feel like they're contributing to the dinner table, and will take pride in the produce they've grown. I wondered at the start if my kids would continue to look after their plants, and I was amazed at just how well they've done. #8. HOW TO GET HOME As soon as your kids start remembering directions this is a great game to play. It's pretty simple. All you do is ask your kids to be a cab driver, and tell us how to get home. It's a really fun way for kids to learn basic navigation skills, and you can pretty quickly build on this to teach them map reading skills as well. That way you know they'll always be able to find their way home.

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VIP SURVIVAL ACADEMY - JULY 2017 KNOW WHAT’S GOING ON Far too many people waste their days away with their head in the clouds. If you walk through life thinking it's all sunshine and roses you're going to be shocked when something bad happens. My advice here is simple. Be realistic. There are bad people. They want what you have. There will take it from you. So, keep your head on a swivel and ensure you're never caught by surprise. Watch out for anyone that looks suspicious in your neighborhood, and don't be afraid to call the police if something is out of place. DON’T BE ARROGANT Just because you did a martial arts class when you were 13 years old, it doesn't mean you're going to be able to effectively defend yourself when you're the victim of a home invasion.

MISTAKES TO AVOID IN A HOME INVASION I'm not one to get scared easily, but home invasions scare me. The thought of someone breaking into your home is bad enough. But once you start running through the likely outcomes of a home invasion it's all a bit too much. Your refuge has been invaded. The one safe place you had, where you felt comfortable and secure is now gone. With statistics showing a growing trend in violent home invasions all over the United States, it's definitely a crisis all we need to prepare for. Now of course, the first step is always prevention, and there's many posts covering how to fortify your home or make yourself less of a target to criminals. But what doesn't usually get written about is your mindset, and it's your mindset that matters most. Because criminals can get around your security system. The fancy selfdefensive gear you bought is only as good as your ability to use it. If a criminal really wants to get into your home they can smash through a window, or cut through a wall. Unless you're living in a state-of-the-art underground bunker, the only real asset you can rely on is your mindset. Have you ever thought about what you'd do in a home invasion?

When I ask my students this question, the answer is always "of course," and only once I start pressing them what they'd do in a specific situation does it become clear they haven't put enough thought into it. Of course, this article is only my opinion, but I've spent a lot of time planning and thinking this through I want to share the four biggest mental hurdles you need to overcome if you want to survive a home invasion. TAKE ACTION FIRST Do not let fear overtake you. Your attacker is out looking for an easy victim, and you need to show them that you're not going to go down without a fight. Don't freeze up and give in to panic, especially in the initial stages of a home invasion. Run, fight back, do whatever you can to demonstrate you're not an innocent victim. If they've got hold of you, make as much noise as you can. Kick, scream, bite, and escape their grasp and run to safety. If you're trapped inside your safe room, let the intruders know you're armed, you've called the police, and you're going to shoot them if they continue to try and harm you. If you've escaped, run to a neighbor's house and alert the police. You need to be ready and willing to take action first, if you want to survive.

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I've trained for the majority of my adult life, and while I believe I can handle myself well, there is always going to be someone better. Or better armed. Or who takes you by surprise. The key is not being arrogant about your abilities, and don’t underestimate an opponent. DONT PUSH TOO HARD When you're fighting back the one thing to keep in mind is what you're actually setting out to achieve. Let's imagine you've effectively chased a home invader from your home, and they’ve taken off down the street. You do not need to chase them, because your primary objective is to keep your home and family safe. If you leave, you're risking them doubling back, with a weapon or their friends. Always remember your objective. To keep your family safe and get the invader to leave your home. What many people forget is that criminals are out for easy money. Once they see that they're mistaken, they're most likely to turn tail and run. But if you chase them and back them into a corner, it's like cornering a wild animal. You never know what may happen. Your only priority should be to keep your family safe. Keeping these four principles in mind will help you to survive a home invasion, as it's the only asset you can rely on no matter what.

VIP SURVIVAL ACADEMY - JULY 2017

HOW TO STAY ALIVE ON A DESERTED ISLAND

3. Anything for collecting water. Water is going to be your primary concern on a tropical island, and you're going to need to find a way to collect, purify, and store as much water as possible. Get dehydrated and you're in big trouble.

It sounds romantic until you start digging into the details, but if you ever find yourself stuck on a deserted island you're in big trouble. Perhaps your plane has gone down or the cruise has gone astray and you're left to fend for yourself on an island in the middle of nowehere. It's not ideal, but you can survive, if you follow a few basic tips.

FIND A WATER SOURCE

SORT YOUR SUPPLIES Let's imagine you've landed on a beach. The first thing is to discover what you're working with. Is there any debris washed up that you could use? There might be supplies like cans of drink or food, I'd go through everything and put it together. Specifically looking for: 1. Anything for shelter building. An inflatable life raft can keep the rain off. Wires and cables make great cordage. Life jackets can become pillows. Blankets are obvious. Any bits of wood or metal can be used to reinforce the structure of your shelter, so gather whatever looks promising. 2. Anything to contact help. Finding a cell phone may save your life if you can get a call out to the authorities, so don't be worried about going through any personal belongings that have washed up. In the cockpit there will usually be a radio, see if it's still working and if you can raise a signal.

Before you do anything else you need to find a source of water. You can't drink the salt water surrounding the island directly, so you need a plan. If you're lucky you may find whole bottles of water washed up, or a spring or fresh-water creek that's running out to the ocean. Coconuts are good in a pinch, but you can't rely on these alone. If the island is dry I'd do two things. Find as much plastic sheeting or large garbage bags as possible. If you encase the leafy branches of a tree in plastic, condensation will collect on the inside that is safe to drink. Setup a rain catchment system. On a tropical island, you can expect storms to come through, especially if it's the rainy season. Be prepared before they start, with plastic sheeting suspended between trees to collect and funnel any rainwater into bottles for storage. Finally, I'd keep an eye out for any materials to create a still. You need a metal container and a length of pipe. Attach the pipe to the top of the container so no air can escape with the other end set at a lower point so the water will run down and out. Fill the metal container with salt water and set it boiling. As the water begins to steam it will rise and condense in the pipe, and drip out the other end. BUILD A SHELTER

“find a way to collect, purify, and store as much water as possible..

From the materials you've been able to find, it's time to start on a shelter. In general, I'd ensure you're back in the tree-line and off the beach to give you a little more protection from any wind or rain that may hit, and you've got a thick layer of cover to stop any rain leaking through. Build it stronger than you think you'll need, you'll be glad you did after the first tropical storm rolls through. START A FIRE In addition to being able to boil your water and cook any food you collect, you can use a fire to signal for help.

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I'd look for anything that you can use to start a fire, from any cigarette lighters you can find, to lenses that you can use to magnify the rays of the sun. Without these you’ll need to start a fire using friction, which can take hours. FIND SOME FOOD On a tropical island you're going to be eating bananas, coconuts and a whole lot of fish, crabs, and shells until you're rescued. If there's any fruit you don't recognize, you can test if it's toxic by rubbing it on the inside of your wrist, and then on the inside of your cheek. If there's any redness or swelling in the next 6 to 8 hours, don't eat it. For meat, I'd make a pole spear then go scour over any rock pools when the tide drops. Flip over the rocks and look under and crevices to find crabs, and perhaps even fish or an octopus. Longer term you could build your own fish traps out of reeds and sticks, or permanent structures with rocks. SIGNAL FOR HELP Finally, you need a way to let others know you're on the island. Lay out rocks on the beach to spell out SOS to any airplanes that may fly over, and setup three signal fires that you can light if you see a boat out on the water. Having these ready to go at a moment's notice is very important, as you may only have a minute or two before your potential saviors have passed by. Whether or not you survive on a deserted island is all up to you. We humans only have a few basic needs, and with the right mindset you can stay alive. Get water, shelter and food, and you'll make it until help arrives, no matter how long that takes.

VIP SURVIVAL ACADEMY - JULY 2017

WHY A TARP SHOULD ALWAYS BE IN YOUR BUG-OUT KIT One of the biggest lessons I've learnt when it comes to bugging out, is that less is more. Every extra pound in your bag is weighing you down, making you a little less mobile, and limiting the distance you're able to cover each day you're on the road. When I was younger, I did a whole lot of hiking. But if you go anywhere near a hiking trail or a campground these days, I'm amazed at the amount of stuff people carry, that they believe is actually necessary when spending time in the outdoors. Do you really need specialist camping chairs? Or a set of folding shelves for all your kitchen items? I don't think so. The only thing you should be worried about when you're in the outdoors is exposure. Exposure is a killer. If you're ever forced from your home and need to spend your nights in the rain and cold, you'll learn quickly that Mother Nature is unforgiving. You need a shelter if you want to survive. But carrying a tent with you isn't always practical.

It's big. It's bulky. And half the time, you don't even really need it. It's also time-consuming to build a water-tight debris shelter, time that you may not have if night’s falling.But there's a solution.

your tarp, I've already got a couple patched up with duct tape on the current one in my kit.

Carry a tarp with you.

Here's a few ideas of the different types of shelter you can construct with a basic tarp.

Should I ever need to protect myself from the elements, I can use the tarp as protection from the rain or wind, and it'll be up in minutes.

But I'm far less worried about burning a hole in a $10 tarp over a $500 tent.

All you need is some paracord, and you'll have a shelter up in minutes.

Now there's a whole lot of different tarps you can buy. Cloth. Canvas. Vinyl. Polyester. Some allow wind and light through. Others are completely water tight. For me, I carry a basic poly tarp with me in my kit. It's quite common, and probably what you're imagining when I say the word "tarp" already, a big blue sheet that has hundreds of different uses. But the biggest benefits are these three. 1. It's cheaper than a hiking tent 2. It's lighter than a hiking tent 3. I can cook underneath it Of course, you should only use a small fire because sparks will burn holes in

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“Every extra pound in your bag is weighing you down…

VIP SURVIVAL ACADEMY - JULY 2017 #1. THE RAIN COVER

#2. THE A-FRAME

#3. THE LEAN-TO

This is as simple as it sounds. Tie a line between two trees, and hang your tarp over it so the line runs down the middle. Then anchor down each corner with some improvised tent pegs or rocks, or tie them off. I find this works great as a cover when I'm sleeping in my hammock. I'm up off the ground, and waking up without being covered in morning dew is a good thing.

Similar to the rain cover this is a good technique to keep yourself dry when you've not got a hammock to stay off the ground. String a line between two trees and hang your tarp over it so it's creating a fold about a third of the way in. The longer side of your tarp should extend to the ground, so peg it out and fold any additional tarp back inside the "A" so you've now got ground cover.

In an extreme situation, I’d recommend building a lean-to. Take two poles and lash a third between them (parallel to the ground) to form the structure. Lay additional poles from the ground up to the bar, and lash tight. Then tie your tarp over the top to make it water tight. If it's really bad I make this as small as possible, so my tarp hangs over the sides to reinforce the walls.

Of course, the benefits of a good tarp can extend further than simple shelter building.

If you've not guessed it already, you can probably tell by now. I'm a big supporter of having a tarp in your bugout kit.

3. A bivy sack. In warmer climates replace your sleeping bag with a waterproof bivouac sack.

I've used mine to keep the rain off my woodpile for the night, to ensure I've got dry timber to both start and keep my fire going. It's also a good way to replenish your water supplies, as by dropping one corner of my shelter's roof down lower than the others I can stick my pot underneath and catch more than enough rain water to drink. Plus, you could wrap a tarp around two sturdy poles to build a makeshift stretcher if you need to haul an injured person back to civilization.

In addition to your tarp and paracord, there's a couple of other items I recommend packing in your bug-out bag to make your time spent in the wild a little more comfortable. 1. A hammock. It gets you up off the ground, which is ideal in a wet or muddy climate. 2. A space blanket. In addition to being a great way to reflect heat, it takes up very little space.

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“a can of 4. A mosquito net. If there's bugs pepper where you're hiking, invest in one of these so you can sleep. spray is Personally, I don't see the benefit of a always a and the tent. The weight, the bulkiness, fact it's only got a single use don't appeal good to me. Whenback you're packing your kit, you've got to be brutal. You may need to carry it 50 miles. 100 miles. Maybe up… more. And trust me, every pound will be weighing you down, making you less mobile, and more of a target.