March 2019

DON’T MISS: WHY HUNTING MAKES YOU A BETTER SURVIVOR

STAYING SAFE WHEN YOU’RE IN BEAR COUNTRY

IN THIS ISSUE:

NON-LETHAL WEAPONS TO FIGHT BACK DO YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES TO SURVIVE? STOP A SNOWFALL FROM RUINING YOUR ROOF

MARCH 2019

NOVEL USES FOR YOUR SOLAR OVEN KEEP YOUR CAR RUNNING AFTER THE SHTF HOW TO AVOID BEING CAUGHT OFF GUARD and more…

VIP SURVIVAL ACADEMY - MARCH 2019

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FEATURED

WHY HUNTING WILL MAKE YOU A BETTER SURVIVOR This last weekend I was asked to explain why I believe every survivalist take up hunting. Of course, the short answer is so you won't ever starve, but there's a little more to it than that…

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STAYING SAFE WHEN YOU'RE IN BEAR COUNTRY I shouldn't have to tell you about the dangers you face when you head into the wild. From getting lost to taking a fall, one area that gets a surprising amount of press is animal attacks…

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NOVEL USES FOR YOUR SOLAR OVEN When the grid goes down you're going to be glad you have a solar oven in your stockpile. Not only does it allow you to cook your food without burning vital fuel, it's an inexpensive device…

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HOW TO KEEP YOUR CAR RUNNING AFTER THE SHTF When the SHTF one of your most valuable assets is going to be your car, that is, as long as you can keep it running. Because there will be no gas stations to top up at, and no garages to help…

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DON'T GET CAUGHT OFF-GUARD IN A CRISIS If any crisis in recent history has shown us anything, it's that the world is not a safe place. There are people out there with bad intentions, just waiting for the opportunity to strike. Only you…

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NON-LETHAL WEAPONS TO FIGHT BACK I'm a big supporter of being able to protect yourself no matter what. You never know what a bad guy is intending, and without an edge in the fight, it could end very badly. But I get that…

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DO YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES TO SURVIVE? When you start to learn a little about survival, you'll be surprised at just how many real-life situations where people were able to survive with nothing. You see, there's one overarching…

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STOP A SNOWFALL RUINING YOUR ROOF Living on a homestead is a lifestyle choice I'll never regret making, but each year when the snow starts to fall I always get a brief feeling of dread. There's a beauty to the winter wonderland…

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SMART HOMESTEADING TIPS FOR APARTMENT-DWELLERS I've been a fan of homesteading for a long time, it's a dream I've had since I was a kid. Yet it was only a few years ago I was able to finally make a down-payment on the perfect property…

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VIP SURVIVAL ACADEMY - MARCH 2019

WHY HUNTING WILL MAKE YOU A BETTER SURVIVOR This last weekend I was asked to explain why I believe every survivalist take up hunting. Of course, the short answer is so you won't ever starve, but there's a little more to it than that. Now don't get me wrong, I'm a big fan of the outdoors and taking care of the natural world, but I'm also a big fan of hunting. It's a tradition my grandfather passed down to my dad, one he passed to me. Hopefully I'll get to share it one day with my kids. Because I understand we no longer live in the old pioneer days, but I also worry. Our generation has become too accustomed to convenience. Supermarkets stocked full of processed foods and ready-to-eat meals, and despite the growing "organic" trend, I believe we've lost touch with our roots. Many people have never had to catch and eat their own food, and they have almost no idea what goes into a successful hunt. If you want to have any hope at surviving a crisis, you need to learn to hunt. Here's why.

HUNTING GIVES YOU SKILLS WITH YOUR FIREARM

HUNTING BOOSTS YOUR SITUATIONAL AWARENESS

There's no question that knowing your way around a gun is a good survival trait that everyone who cares about their own safety in a crisis should learn.

One of the most valuable skills you need to master for survival is the art of staying aware.

Practice is a skill you'll hear me harp on about again and again, but it's vital. Getting comfortable with shooting, learning to control the weapon, and mastering the aim and the perfect shot are vital to a good hunt.

Knowing what's going on around you at all times, feeling the "pulse" of a particular environment, and being ready to act when an opportunity comes. To be successful in your hunts, you need to attune yourself with the woods around you.

But this also translates to self-defense. If you've ever in a position where you need to protect yourself, being comfor table with your firear m, knowing how to load and fire it efficiently, will go a long way to keeping yourself, and your family safe. Especially if you’re a decent shot. Take the time to learn how to shoot. Even if it involves a little time spent on the range with your practice targets. Over time, you'll improve, and will get more proficient in your accuracy, your ability to focus, and of course, how to make the split-second decision and pull the trigger.

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“how to make the split-second decision and pull the trigger…”

VIP SURVIVAL ACADEMY - MARCH 2019 cont. Learning the different patterns, sounds and behaviors of your prey, while also training yourself to adapt to the almost guaranteed unpredictability of the outdoors. Everything from the weather to the conditions, the animals around, and the time of year will challenge your abilities to think outside of the box. You'll develop the ability to remain still and patient, while learning to trust your gut about a particular sign. These instincts translate well to survival, as it sharpens your ability to watch and observe, and react appropriately to whatever situation presents. You'll learn how to take care in your actions, and it'll get easier to notice when something just feels wrong. A feeling deep in your gut that may just save your life. HUNTING DEVELOPS YOUR STRENGTH OF CHARACTER In a crisis, it's not only about being the strongest or fittest. You need the strength of character to keep yourself sane, when everything around you turns to chaos. What I've learnt most from my time in the woods is discipline. Successful hunts are those where you've taken the time to prepare, scouting locations, cleaning your gear, and planning your strategy instead of simply wandering off into the woods. It's time consuming, but any successful hunter will tell you that it's discipline which leads to their success.

HUNTING GETS YOU OFF OF THE COUCH AND INTO THE WOODS

Of course, not every hunt will be a good one, and you're sure to experience your fair share of disappointments. A missed shot. A wasted day.

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, is one simple fact. Getting geared up and going hunting gets you off the couch and into the great outdoors. But not only during hunting season.

The important part is deciding how you'll deal with these. Over time, I've discovered you simply need to let it go. You won't always do everything perfectly, the key is to learn and improve, and perhaps next time you'll be ready. When the SHTF, it's going to take everything you've got to stop yourself giving in to the despair and stressors which now exist in every simple task. The discipline and ability to learn from your mistakes you've developed will be fundamental to staying sane during those trying times.

I'll be out building hides or scouting new patches of trees, walking for miles looking for the perfect areas to hunt. I've lost count of the hours I've spent tracking animals, reading signs and suffering everything mother nature has thrown at me, but it's also wonderfully positive. You see, I'm that much more selfreliant now. I know where to find water in my local environment. I've learnt, studied and actually tried to eat most of the edible plants I'm planning to survive on.

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I'm confident that if I throw together a quick lean-to, it's not going to collapse on me as soon as the wind changes direction. There's much to be said about the benefits of learning first-hand the skills you need to survive in the woods, and hunting gets you out there and doing just that. Practical experience with your gun, learning precisely what you need to know to use it effectively in a crisis. If you've been looking for a new hobby to support your survivalist goals, you need to start hunting. The skills you develop will improve your ability to survive ten-fold, and you'll get much more confident in yourself. T he best possible outcome in preparation for a SHTF event.

VIP SURVIVAL ACADEMY - MARCH 2019

STAYING SAFE WHEN YOU'RE IN BEAR COUNTRY I shouldn't have to tell you about the dangers you face when you head into the wild. From getting lost to taking a fall, one area that gets a surprising amount of press is animal attacks. Of course, with less than three people a year even killed by bears, it's still a very real risk, especially if you're hiking and camping in remote areas with lots of animal activity. But it's not just bears. When you're camping you risk coming across everything from mountain lions to allig ators, not to mention the fearsomely aggressive moose. Follow these tips and make sure you're not on the wrong side of an animal attack. LEAVE YOUR PETS AT HOME As much as I like taking my two dogs with me when I'm hiking in the wild, there are certain areas it's best to leave them at home. Your dogs will bark and aggravate a bear, and while you can train your dogs to bay and intimidate larger prey, most dogs won't have this instinct. They will run in and attack, and against a larger bear, I can tell you this. It won't end well. And if they do happen to escape, they'll most likely be scared and afraid, running straight back into your arms with the bear in hot pursuit. Bears have a chase instinct, and will charge your pets. DON’T FEED THE BEARS There's a reason for all the signs warning against feeding wild animals. People like to bait them to come close for a selfie or to get a better look, which only seeks to condition the bears to expect food when humans are around. If you disappoint them, that's when they get frustrated, and you've got an angry bear to deal with. Don't give the bears any reason to approach your camp, and for god's sake, don't feed them. This is training them that human camps are a food source, and that's not good for anyone. Especially if they've got cubs. It's not worth it for a picture, especially if the mother bear suddenly decides her cubs are in danger. She will attack you.

DESTROY ALL FOOD SCENTS Bears have an uncanny sense of smell, and will track the scent of a fresh kill right back to your camp. It's your responsibility to ensure all of your food supplies are sealed in bearproof containers, and strung up in the trees to keep them out of reach. The same goes for your clothes and cooking. Setup a separate camp for cleaning your kills, cooking and eating your meals, and make sure that you've cleaned your hands, cooking gear and your dishes, and any blood that may have gotten on your clothes off before you return back to your camp to sleep. Sleeping in clothes you've been cooking in is a big mistake, as the bears will smell the food, and you will get mauled when they come to investigate. DON’T RISK IT ALONE Hiking alone though an area where you've got large populations of bears isn't a good idea. You want another pair of eyes and ears keeping watch, and if there's two of you (or more) you'll make twice as much noise as you're hiking. Which is important. Bears usually attack when they're startled, so the noisier you are the better. And if you do happen to startle one, stick together. Appearing larger and more threatening than you are may spook a black bear and scare it off. Or if you do get attacked, at least you've got a friend there to help administer first aid. Just don't try and intimidate a grizzly, they'll see it as a challenge and you will lose. You're better off playing dead until the grizzly loses interest. ARM YOURSELF WITH THE RIGHT WEAPONS Being able to defend yourself is paramount, and you won't catch me in the woods with bears around without at least my 12-guage shotgun. The noise is often enough to scare a bear off, and if I do happen to get charged the stopping power should be plenty to give me the advantage. I've also got a canister of bear spray I carry with me (I'd much rather use this first if I have a choice), to distress and deter whatever bear I come across. Many products offer a range of several feet, which is usually more than enough to get a good spray in and scare them off and away from you and your camp.

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BE AS NOISY AS POSSIBLE "Ho bear" is a call you should be making at regular intervals when you're hiking in bear country, as you want to be as noisy as possible. Startled bears get angry, and that's when they attack. Because their eyesight is much worse than ours, if you surprise a bear, they are most likely to attack first. You want to make as much commotion and noise as you can, to reduce the chances a bear doesn't hear you coming. Being noisy is often enough for the bears to get a look at you and move away, before a confrontation even occurs. SACRIFICE YOUR PACK If you do happen to surprise a bear and backing away is no longer an option, you may be able to escape if you sacrifice your pack. Bears are hungry creatures, and they really just want to secure their next meal. If you've got food in your pack, drop it and then back away. The bear will smell it (if it's not too heavily wrapped), and will start going to town on your pack to get it out. Losing your kit hurts, but much less than having your backpack mauled off your body if the bear catches up to you while you're escaping. Sacrifice your pack, and slowly back away. Staying safe when you're hiking through bear country requires a little common sense, the ability to act noisily as you trek through the woods, and ensuring every possible scent of food is destroyed (or at least not brought back to your camp). That's how you'll keep the bears away, and that's how you'll stay safe. Happy trails!

VIP SURVIVAL ACADEMY - MARCH 2019 I've also used it to dehydrate strips of deer and make my own jerky, which is great because when I do get the chance to go out and hunt, I like to ensure none of the meat is wasted. DRYING OUT YOUR WORK GEAR AND BOOTS Now you may not want to do this in the same solar oven you're using for all of your food, but if you're suffering with wet clothes and have no means to dry them out, a solar oven is a handy tool. I've got one we specially created for all of our winter mittens, socks and scarves, and it's also big enough should I need to hang my jacket in there too. I simply set the entire oven in the sun, with the clothes inside. Even during winter, it heats up quite considerably, enough to remove the moisture from all of the clothes inside. REMOVING BUGS FROM YOUR GRAIN STORES

NOVEL USES FOR YOUR SOLAR OVEN When the grid goes down you're going to be glad you have a solar oven in your stockpile. Not only does it allow you to cook your food without burning vital fuel, it's an inexpensive device that will help you with a number of survivalrelated tasks. HOW DOES A SOLAR OVEN WORK? If you hadn't guessed from the name, let me make it clear how these nifty little devices work. A solar oven harnesses the power of the sun to cook, focusing and amplifying the power of the rays to a central point. Kind of like using a magnifying glass to burn leaves as a kid, a solar oven works on a similar fashion, concentrating the light from the sun into the pan or dish placed inside. With a little time, it'll cook whatever is in there, but this isn't all a solar oven is good for. MAKING WATE R S AFE TO DRINK In a crisis you can't expect the water in your taps to continue to flow, and even if it does, it's not safe to drink. There could be bacteria or other harmful contaminants, especially if you're needing to source water from a lake or a stream. Water must be sterilized before you drink it, and that's where a solar oven comes into play.

It takes about an hour to heat water to an acceptable level, you don't need to boil it. Instead, you just need to pasteurize it (the process they use with milk), which is essentially just getting the water above 149 degrees Fahrenheit for 6 minutes or more. This kills all bacteria, parasites and pathogens, and it'll be safe to drink. On a sunny day, you'll achieve this in under an hour. CANNING FRUITS AND MAKING JAM Stick the canning jars right in the solar cooker with the fruits inside first thing in the morning, leaving them for the majority of the day. By the late afternoon these have heated until boiling point, and then I remove them, sealing the lid and letting each cool before it goes into storage. I've also lost count of the batches of homemade jam I've cooked up in my solar oven, it's great for anything that needs to simmer for hours. DEHYDRATING FRUITS AND MEATS Another trick I like to do is to use my solar oven as a dehydrator. Trays of fruit like apricots work fantastic in here, especially once they come into season and the price at my local farmers market drops through the floor.

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Sometimes it feels like no matter what you do, the bugs still get into your rice and other grains. Little weevil things that don't actually do you any harm if you do eat them, but they're a little unappetizing to see. Normally I'd throw these out, but this last winter we actually had mold destroy quite a bit of our stores thanks to a leaky roof, so I wanted to save the bug-ridden stuff. Placing bowls of rice in the solar cooker before I cooked it killed the bugs, making it easy to clear them out when I needed the rice. Was nice not throwing it all away. STERILIZING SUPPLIES AND INSTRUMENTS If you've got a need to sterilize anything, you can simply stick it inside a solar oven and let the sun do its job. The heat achieved inside will kill bacteria and other pathogens, which is a trick used by doctors in field hospitals all over the world. Personally, I've not had a need for this yet, but I have taken t o s t e r i l i z i n g m y b e e r- m a k i n g equipment in the oven, and it works surprisingly well. If you're on the fence about buying a solar oven, let me help you make the right decision. Not only does it give you a means to cook when the grid goes down, you can use it for everything from sterilizing water to drying out your clothes. For anyone keen on creating a sustainable lifestyle, it's a must-have piece of equipment for your survival stockpile.

VIP SURVIVAL ACADEMY - MARCH 2019

HOW TO KEEP YOUR CAR RUNNING AFTER THE SHTF When the SHTF one of your most valuable assets is going to be your car, that is, as long as you can keep it running. Because there will be no gas stations to top up at, and no garages to help fix whatever is wrong. Of course, major repairs aren't going to be possible in most backyard garages, but there are a few things you can do to ensure your car continues to run for as long as possible. BUY AN OLD DIESEL TRUCK After watching the guys on Top Gear put a 1983 Toyota Hilux through the works, it's my advice to buy one of these. They purposefully crashed it, submerged it in the ocean for several hours, dropped an RV on it, and let it fall 240 feet from the roof of an imploding building, the car still started, and was able to drive. That's impressive. I've got a slightly newer Hilux on my homestead (1988), and the thing doesn't ever miss a beat. If you're looking for a reliable car that will continue no matter what, buy an old diesel Hilux.

ENSURE YOU’VE GOT ENOUGH FUEL

U N D E R S TA N D B A S I C C A R MAINTENANCE

Keeping your car running will require fuel. We've got a rather large stockpile of diesel to operate our heavy equipment, which in a crisis could be used in our old Toyota. Our tank's got a little over 10,000 gallons, which should be plenty to keep it operational until things return to normal.

Getting your vehicles services regularly is a smart idea, but there are a few things you can do at home to prevent smaller problems from becoming a big one once the auto shops are closed. Make a habit of regularly checking the fluid levels in your car, which includes the brake, transmission, oil, and coolants. I also like to add a few drops of dish soap to my wiper tank, it helps the washers work better once I fire these up to clean my windshield.

But just in case I've also been working on a wood gasifier over the winter and hope to install this permanently on another of our vehicles in the coming weeks, it works to convert the gases in wood and charcoal into a fuel that can run a combustion engine. GET A SET OF JUMPER CABLES When cars have been sitting for too long the first thing to go is the charge in the battery. Without it you may need to do a push start (on a manual car), or to simply jump start it from another vehicle. One of the most important things you can have in your car in a crisis is a set of jumper cables, just in case. You'd actually be surprised at how often I've had to use mine these last couple of years.

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“Make a habit of regularly checking the fluid levels”

VIP SURVIVAL ACADEMY - MARCH 2019 cont. I've also bought an air compressor to better check and re-pressurize my tires and any spares, to help keep their air levels at the optimum pressure, and extend the life of my tires. INVEST IN THE RIGHT UPGRADES TO YOUR CAR Aftermarket accessories definitely have a place for preparedness, but we're not talking about spoilers or things designed to make your car pretty. Consider upgrading your brake pads to high-temperature options, which will help you slow down faster should you need to hit the brakes hard. Other considerations like a roll cage, larger tires, or even raising your truck could help to make it more durable in the event of a disaster. One particular thing I like to do, is to replace my tires before they wear out completely, but take them home instead of leaving the tires for the mechanics. Right now, I've got two sets of spare tires which are ready (and legal) to be used, just in case I need to swap these out at any stage. I've also installed a grill guard, which gives me the ability to use my truck as a makeshift battering ram without doing significant damage to the car, if I ever need to break through a fence or push another car out of the way in a SHTF event. Oh, and don't forget simple things like being able to communicate. I've got a CB radio installed that allows my truck and our home base to stay in close contact, as well as a series of lights rigged up should I ever need to fully illuminate one of our fields or part of the property at night. PUT TOGETHER A RESCUE KIT This is especially critical if you're going to be doing any sort of off-roading, but I'd recommend every car owner put together one of these (you may need to take a normal car off the asphalt to avoid an accident or road closure). In short, it's everything you need to get your car back on the road. In mine is a set of tow ropes and shackles. I've also attached a winch to the front grill guard of my car, which means I'll be able to pull my car out of whatever trouble I get in. Of course, a spare tire and a jack is vital, and I've even got a little 12V air compressor that I can use to keep my tires up in a pinch.

But not only that, I've also got a bug out kit I keep in my truck. It's got everything I need to survive up to 72 hours, including food, water, blankets as well as shelter and fire making supplies. Not directly related to keeping your car running when the SHTF, but a good practice to follow. KNOW HOW TO DRIVE DEFENSIVELY If you've never done a defensive driving course, I can highly recommend it. Under the guidance of instructors, you'll learn what to do in order to get yourself out of common situations on the road, like losing control after hitting an oil or ice slick, and how to properly look ahead for hazards.

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Being able to stop yourself from getting in an accident in the first place will go a long way to keeping your car running once the SHTF. Oh, and the same goes for driving. The more aggressively you drive the more stress you put on your car, which will wear it out faster. Slow it down to make your car last. There's no question that a car is a valuable piece of equipment in a crisis, and by following these steps you can go a long way towards keeping your car running for as long as possible. Are you doing everything you can to ensure your car will continue to run once the SHTF?

VIP SURVIVAL ACADEMY - MARCH 2019

DON'T GET CAUGHT OFF-GUARD IN A CRISIS If any crisis in recent history has shown us anything, it's that the world is not a safe place. There are people out there with bad intentions, just waiting for the opportunity to strike. Only you can guarantee your safety, and it's your job to be prepared. Otherwise you risk getting caught off-guard by the wrong people, and a bad situation immediately takes a turn for the worst. Over the years I've spent countless hours on self-defense training, martial arts and thousands of rounds sent down the shooting range. And as my girls get older there's a few lessons I've passed down to them that I'd like to share with all of you. Some of this is basic, but bear with me, it's important. YOUR CONFIDENCE BECOMES A SHIELD

Don't worry about embarrassing the people you're with or that you may be overreacting. Most people have a good inner sense of danger, but few actually listen to it. The trick is to learn to listen to it, and act when something feels off. YOUR SCHEDULE SHOULDN’T BE A ROUTINE When your life is totally predictable, you are painting a target on your back. Of course, it can be difficult to not be at your desk during office hours, or attend certain classes each week, but the trick here is to vary your routine. Use different routes to get to school, don't shop in the same grocery store every week, and be a little more spontaneous in your life. That way if anyone is watching, they won't be able to predict your every move, and it’s a little harder to catch you unawares.

Ask any criminal, and you'll quickly learn there are a few key things they look for when choosing a mark. They seek to find victims, people who are vulnerable or appear weak, as they make for an easy target, and a quick score. Your job is to be the opposite of this. Walk with your head held high, and use your confidence as a shield, no matter what you're feeling inside. Just remember, confidence doesn't mean ignorance. Get your eyes off your phone and your headphones out. Pay attention to your surroundings or you risk being caught off guard even if you're walking with confidence.

YOUR NOSE SHOULDN’T BE IN OTHER PEOPLE’S BUSINESS

YOUR GUT DESERVES TO BE LISTENED TO

YOU SHOULD KNOW WHAT’S GOING ON AROUND YOU

Have you ever had the feeling a certain situation was just wrong? It's important to never second-guess yourself when it comes to your instincts, and if you're getting a bad vibe from a particular place or a person, get out of there as fast as you can.

Otherwise known as situational awareness, this is a technique developed from what is essentially "active" looking. Whenever you enter a room, look around and make note of the people inside, the mood within, and any escape routes.

I'm a big proponent for sticking up for the little guy, but it has got me into trouble on more than one occasion. Twice I've ended up in a hospital bed. If you're in a bad situation, the biggest piece of advice I can give you is to keep your mouth shut and not get involved. People are unpredictable, and if you're stepping in and aggravating a situation further, you'll be the one in their sights. Unless you can end the situation then and there, it's better to keep your nose out of other people's business.

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If something looks out of place, pay attention, and plan of what you'll do in case things escalate. By thinking about this before it happens, you'll gain vital seconds should chaos erupt around you.The faster you can react, the better your chances of survival. YOU’RE ALWAYS ARMED AND READY Whenever you step outside, it's important you've got a means to defend yourself. Hopefully it's a concealed carry firearm alongside the training and means to use it, but at a bare minimum you should know basic self-defensive fighting moves, and be carrying a can of pepper spray. If you notice anyone around you acting suspicious, don't be afraid to get yourself ready, like putting your hand on your gun that's in your handbag, just in case. The faster you're able to brandish your weapon, the quicker you can fight off your attacker YOU’RE PRACTICING GOOD SURVIVAL TECHNIQUES The final step is to be defensive in your life. Lock your car doors once you get in to stop the chances someone else jumps in, install security lights so you've got a well-lit path to your door, and never leave your back door or windows unlocked on your home. Most bad guys are opportunistic, and if you make it difficult for them to get one over on you, they will move on to an easier target. In a crisis it's important you're able to not only defend yourself, but you're actively practicing the techniques you can use to stay a little more aware, and a little more prepared. Because the only person you can truly trust with your back is yourself, and if you're not looking out for yourself, who will?

VIP SURVIVAL ACADEMY - MARCH 2019 DEFEND WITH ARMORED FISTS Also known as a brass knuckle, the knuckle duster is a solid piece of metal you slip over your fingers, like a series of metal rings, to amplify your punching power in a fight. It's incredibly effective, allowing you to hit with more strength and a heavier swing than you could using your fists alone. When I'm running in the early hours of the morning, I like to wear these as they add a nice bit of weight to my hands as I run, and give me an advantage should I need to defend myself. Plus, it would look a little strange going for a run while carrying a baseball bat… DEFEND WITH A STRIKE PEN

NON-LETHAL WEAPONS TO FIGHT BACK I'm a big supporter of being able to protect yourself no matter what. You never know what a bad guy is intending, and without an edge in the fight, it could end very badly. But I get that many people don't have the ability to buy a gun (or carry it with them at all times). Perhaps the rules in your state forbid it, your age, or just your personal beliefs and situation mean it's not practical to have a firearm. So what options do you have? Luckily there are a whole host of alternative weapons you can use when a gun isn't the answer to your problems. DEFEND WITH PEPPER SPRAY One of my go-to items for self-defense is pepper spray. If you're wanting an option to completely blind and disorient an attacker, a short spray in their face will send their eyes tearing up and take them out of the fight. It's probably one of the most effective options on this list, as you can strike at a distance (most pepper spray canisters give you a range of at least a few feet, some much more), and it's very effective. Take down your opponent before getting a chance to escape.

DEFEND WITH A STRIKE LIGHT My wife keeps one of these in her car at all times, and for good reason. It's a combination flashlight and baton, crafted from an aircraft-grade aluminum so it's lightweight yet incredibly sturdy. Giving you the ability to hit hard and fast, before your attacker knows what's what. The strobe feature is another nice addition, as the blinding torch gives you an added edge, while the wrist strap ensures this weapon remains firmly in your grasp, no matter what happens during the fight. It's one of the most versatile survival items you can carry with you. DEFEND WITH A BASEBALL BAT You've seen the movies, right. As soon as the star hears a bump in the night he reaches in the closet for his trusty baseball bat before going to investigate. Now while U wouldn't recommend this strategy in a home invasion, a baseball bat is a wonderful piece of defensive gear. It not only extends your reach, but it's a weapon designed specifically for hitting, and that's what it does best. I've got a small duffel of baseball gear tucked under the back seat of my car, so I'm always ready to toss a ball around with my kids, or grab the bat if someone is intending us harm.

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Building on a device known as a kubotan, the strikepen follows a similar concept. It's a hefty and solid selfdefense tool, small enough to fit in your purse or your pocket. And to the untrained eye looks just like a bulky pen. It even works the same as a normal ball-point pen. Until you need to defend yourself that is. Gripping the strikepen in your fist, it becomes like a pick axe, with a hardened tip that does an immense amount of damage when you swing it, especially if you're targeting sensitive areas like the temple, head or the neck. DEFEND WITH A TASER There's a reason many police officers carry a taser, it's a staple for non-lethal self-defense. Essentially a small electronic device that delivers a highpowered electric shock to your attacker, it's extremely painful and will drop anyone to the ground, rendering them helpless as their body succumbs to painful convulsions and muscle contractions. You can get both handheld options as well as types known as a "stun gun" which shoot two prongs that deliver the charge. Plus, you can usually continue pulling the trigger to deliver repeated shocks until the charge runs out. Of course, a concealed carry firearm is the most effective means of selfdefense, especially if you've got an ankle holster or a means of keeping your firearm within easy reach in any situation. But if you've not got the luxury of having a gun with you, or prefer a non-lethal means of fighting back, these alternative options for selfdefense are your best bet. Arm yourself right, and you'll always have the edge in a fight.

VIP SURVIVAL ACADEMY - MARCH 2019

DO YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES TO SURVIVE?

You'll be surprised at how many explanations exist once you start asking why. And the more you know about how everything around you actually works, the better off you will be once you need to fix it (or hack an improvisation).

When you start to learn a little about survival, you'll be surprised at just how many real-life situations where people were able to survive with nothing. You see, there's one overarching theme to every tale of survival, and it's not the fancy backpack or your swish new hiking boots. It's your will to survive.

For me, my dad was my best teacher, and his approach to always tackle whatever problem arose around our home provided the base knowledge I needed when I started my own homestead. And if you ever get stuck, there's a wealth of information available in books, or on sites like YouTube, at the click of your fingers. Use every opportunity as one to learn.

The ability to push everything else aside, and draw from an untapped reservoir of will to not give up when challenge after challenge presents.

U S E E V E RY C H A N C E TO SHARPEN YOUR SKILLS

But in my experience, I believe you can develop this willpower. You see, being able to survive a hardship requires a particular set of traits, that we group together as "willpower" but when separated, give a number of different areas to become a better survivalist. If you want to increase your survival chances, here's what you need to do. USE EVERY OPPORTUNITY TO LEARN SOMETHING NEW If you've got kids you've probably experienced the "why" stage at one point or another. Kids have this boundless enthusiasm for learning, that has them questioning everything around them. My advice, is to adopt a similar approach. Question "why" particular things work, and invest the time it takes to figure out the inner workings.

“You need to be able to cotrol your fears…”

There's a reason professional athletes spend so much time on the practice court, because it really does help hone their skills and sharpen their abilities. The same approach applies for survival. Without practice, you've only got theoretical knowledge, which may not help you in a real crisis. If you're planning to build your own shelter, or start a fire with a flint and steel, you better make sure you know how to do it, before the SHTF. Because good survival skills aren’t something you can learn from the computer screen alone. You need more than a basic understanding of what to do, you need real-world application, that you can only get through doing it yourself. For anyone who has started a fire with a bow drill, you know exactly what I mean. Solid principles of survival from the books are often much harder to implement in real life. My family spends at least one weekend a month in the woods, hiking and camping to remote spots as we actually love the outdoors, but it also gives us the ability to prepare for a bug out. We practice key survival skills like trapping and fishing, shelter building, and have a good understanding of the conditions we'll face, at all times of the year, should we need to bug out. That's the kind of practice that ensures you won't have any surprises when the SHTF. USE YOUR TIME TO HONE A HEALTHY BODY I've talked about this in a number of other posts, but if you're not living a healthy lifestyle now, you can bet your body isn't going to hold up when it really counts.

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Take the time out of your schedule to commit to an exercise program, and get your fitness levels up. I started with short walks around the block, slowly working my way up to longer and longer hikes carrying more and more gear. Because the one piece of gear you'll always have with you is your body. You need to get in shape. These days, I'm completely confident my legs could carry me, and my bug out kit, straight out of dodge, and I know I'd make it the 50-odd miles to my bug out location. Would yours? USE YOUR ATTITUDE Underpinning the other qualities is the importance of a healthy mind. The stresses you will face during a real disaster scenario are immense. You need to be able to control your fears, wind down your emotions, and have strategies you can tap into to bring your stress levels down. Being able to find your center when all of the world around you is descending into chaos will help you keep a level head, so you avoid making the wrong decisions when it may matter most. I've never been a big fan of meditation, but there's many other things I like to do to bring about a little calm. An afternoon fishing in a quiet pond, attacking the unrelenting stack of firewood with my axe, or simply taking a minute out of my day for a few calming breaths really helps. Developing the will to survive isn't something that's unachievable by any means, and you can help strengthen your own resolve by focusing on these four elements. Take the time to develop a broad base of knowledge on many subjects, get out there and practice your skills, ensure you're not neglecting the health of your body, and ensure you've got a positive attitude, no matter what. That's how you'll survive.

VIP SURVIVAL ACADEMY - MARCH 2019

STOP A SNOWFALL RUINING YOUR ROOF Living on a homestead is a lifestyle choice I'll never regret making, but each year when the snow starts to fall I always get a brief feeling of dread. There's a beauty to the winter wonderland, but behind the stunning pictures is a sharp and deadly cold. And the isolation that winter brings to us is a challenge. But not just from snow-blocked roads to the storms which continually knock out power. What I'm most concerned with is the snow and ice building up on my roof. Last winter, a smaller hunting cabin of mine gave way, and the roof collapsed. If I'd been inside, it would have been disastrous, as one of the beams supporting the ceiling landed smack in the middle of my bed. Right where I would have been. In the U.S. there's an average of 3,000 roof collapses each year from heavy snow buildups on people’s roofs.

And 20 people die. It's something you may not have thought much about, I certainly hadn't, but it was a sobering wake up call. Over the last summer I did a little digging as I wanted to understand just how much weight my roof could take.

Over winter I took the time to measure out the different weights of different kinds of snow, so I've got a good gauge on what "20 pounds" actually means. I simply climbed up on the roof at different parts of the winter, and shoveled out a square foot of snow and ice. Then weighed it. Based on the results, here's what I learnt.

It was far less than I thought. Today, I want to share with you the dangers of letting snow build up on your roof, and how you can safely remove it. JUST HOW MUCH SNOW IS TOO MUCH FOR MY ROOF? There's a few different calculations you can use, but as a good rule of thumb… If your roof is in good condition (not damaged or decaying in any way) it should support about 20 pounds of snow on every square foot of your roof.

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“Do you know how much the snow on your roof weighs…?”

VIP SURVIVAL ACADEMY - MARCH 2019 SIMPLE TEST FOR FINDING THE WEIGHT OF SNOW If you're looking up at your roof and thinking it's starting to feel a little dodgy, there's a quick and easy test you can do to determine just how much the snow on your roof weighs. • Get a garbage bag, a ladder and a small shovel • Climb the ladder so you've access to your roof • Mark out 1 square foot on the snow • Shovel all of this snow and ice into your garbage bag • Continue until you've removed all snow down to your roof tiles • This includes any ice or denser packed snow • Once you're done, climb down and weigh the bag • It's the easiest way to accurately measure the weight of snow on your roof

FRESH SNOWFALL Because it's so light and fluffy, it's the least dense of all the different types. I measured three snowfalls, and found that 1 foot of fresh snow weighs about 5 to 6 pounds. So, you don't need to start freaking out even if a storm drops 3 or 4 feet of snow overnight. Your roof will still be around the 20 pounds of weight mark, and all should be fine. OLD SNOW Once the snow has settled and has been sitting on your roof a while, it compacts. Which makes it a lot denser, so it weighs a lot more. 1 foot of old snow that's been on my roof a couple of weeks (and has flattened out) weighs about 20 pounds. If you've had a few big snowfalls, it'll quickly overload what your roof can handle. Remember this. Just because your roof doesn't look like it has a lot of snow on there, doesn't mean it hasn't been slowly adding up, soon becoming too much for your roof to handle. SIGNS YOUR ROOF IS ABOUT TO GIVE OUT Anything above 20 pounds of snow per square foot is dangerous, and once your roof is in the danger zone, you may notice a few other things in addition to the level of snow that's building on top.

• Any sagging in your ceiling, in the ceiling boards or the support beams • Any strange creaking, popping or cracking noises from the roof • Any difficulties in opening and closing doors or windows properly • Any cracks or splits developing in your walls or masonry • Any leaks coming from your roof All of these indicate something is definitely wrong, and your best option is to remove the snow. TIPS FOR REMOVING SNOW FROM YOUR ROOF

Make sure you're a safe distance away to avoid getting caught in the sliding snow, or having it knock you from the ladder and taking a big fall. Oh, and as you don't want the rake to damage your roof, I'd recommend leaving the last inch or two of snow on there as a buffer. And of course, always use plastic tools to reduce the chances you do any damage at all. Once winter is over you're almost out of the woods, make sure to check all of your roof, gutters and drains for any debris that may hinder the water draining as the snow melts.

It's dangerous to do this alone.

I also like to climb up in my attic to ensure there's no leaks in and around my chimney and the vents, so I can plan my attack should any repairs need to be made when the weather improves, and to prevent things getting too bad while I still can.

You could always opt for a plastic snow rake with an extension arm if you were worried about a fall from your ladder, and then it's just a matter of methodically scraping layer after layer of snow from your roof.

Smart homesteaders know the dangers of snow building up on their roof, and they're active in both checking the weight and removing the snow to ensure their homes and safety of their families aren't at risk.

Just be careful, as the roof snow can (and will) start to slide at any moment, causing a mini avalanche that will take you with it if you’re not careful.

Do you know how much the snow on your roof weighs?

This is definitely a two-person job, so make sure you've got someone with you to help hold and steady the ladder, and pass you the tools as you need them.

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VIP SURVIVAL ACADEMY - MARCH 2019

SMART HOMESTEADING TIPS FOR APARTMENT-DWELLERS I've been a fan of homesteading for a long time, it's a dream I've had since I was a kid. Yet it was only a few years ago I was able to finally make a downpayment on the perfect property. I spent the first 35 years of my life l i v i n g i n s m a l l e r h o m e s, a n d apartments, but that didn't stop my homesteading dream. Because you don't need acres of land to be a successful homesteader. In fact, there's many different ways you can be more self-sufficient while living in an apartment. Today, I'm going to share with you a number of tips for homesteading in an apartment, that I used to do in my tiny one-bedroom home. There is nothing holding you back from a more selfsufficient lifestyle, if you choose to be more independent. CREATE A GARDEN BALCONY Heck, you don't even need a balcony. Many plants will grow indoors, on a sunny windowsill. You just need to invest in a few pots that also have the water catcher in the bottom, and a handful of seeds. On my balcony I grew beans, tomatoes, peppers and chili, and had lemongrass, spring onions and a massive bunch of basil growing by the window in my kitchen.

Not enough food to keep me going for months, but it taught me the basics of gardening which I still use to this day. Oh, and if you've got hooks and can setup hanging baskets, berries grow great on a balcony. CREATE YOUR COMPOSTER

OWN

Under my sink was where I created another little homesteading contraption. My composter. Using three five-gallon buckets that stack together, drill holes in two of the buckets and stack one in the third (the one with no holes so nothing can leak). Add in a bunch of shredded newspaper and give it a quick spray of water, add your food scraps and a bunch of worms, then seal it with a lid. Toss in your vegetable and food scraps as you go, and after a couple of weeks stack the third bucket in, and put the lid on this. The worms will make their way up into the next level, and after a few more weeks you can harvest the compost from the initial bucket. Then simply rotate and repeat. Done right it won't smell, and you'll have all the fertilizer you need for your garden.

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CREATE A RAIN-CATCHMENT DEVICE I got this idea after a burst pipe in the street left me without water for a few days, and the bottles of water I had saved ran out too fast. On my balcony I built two special benches on either end, which I normally used as seats and a space to put my plants. But under each bench were two 7gallon plastic containers, which became my "rainwater" tank.

“nothing holding you back from a more selfsufficient lifestyle…”

VIP SURVIVAL ACADEMY - MARCH 2019 cont.

CREATE YOUR OWN POWER

With a small funnel positioned to catch the water that was funneled down from the roof (our downpipes weren't all that great), these containers would fill after every rain, giving me a renewable source of water.

Alternative energy is a movement I fully believe in, but there are options even if you've not got your own land. Of course, you may not be able to set up a solar array on the roof of a building you don't own, but I was able to attach a small wind turbine to my balcony and take advantage of the strong wind's we'd get on the 23rd floor. This provided more than enough power to charge my battery banks which I'd use to run my LED lamps and recharge all of my devices. Plus, it was almost always available, which is more than I can say for relying on the city's grid for power.

It's not much, but it was all I had space for, and it saved me a few months later when the water went out again. CREATE YOUR CLEANING PRODUCTS

OWN

To me, homesteading is about being as self-sufficient as possible, while also being frugal. Using recipes, I found online, I taught myself how to make a variety of different cleaning products for my home, using natural items like baking soda, vinegar, borax and lemons. To this day I still use these same cleaning products, and they are just as effective as the harsh options that are packed with god-only-knows different chemicals. Making your own products like this is key to being a homesteader, but it doesn't need to just be cleaning. You can make soaps, candles, and even your own clothing if you're so inclined.

CREATE A STOCKPILE OF PRESERVED FOOD Now I didn't have the space to grow much in my apartment, but that didn't stop me from buying fresh produce enmasse at my local farmer's market, especially when produce came in season and was ridiculously cheap. I made everything from jams to salsa, and despite not having a whole lot of space, I was able to pack quite a lot of canned food into my kitchen cupboards, and tucked under my bed along with the other supplies in my stockpile.

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CREATE UNIQUE STORAGE SOLUTIONS The biggest downfall with apartment living is a distinct lack of space, so you need to get smart with the furniture you choose, and your plans for storing it all. One of my priorities was a bed raised high enough to slide my storage tubs in underneath. It was a little higher than I'd prefer, but it allowed me a massive amount of gear and food to be tucked away and out of sight. You'll need to utilize spaces like the backs of wardrobes, dead space inside cupboards, and make purchases with a dual use. My coffee table was a chest, that not only looked cool, but I was able to pack a bunch of gear in. Just because you're not living in your dream home, doesn't give you an excuse to be ill prepared. There are many things you can do to become a better homesteader while living in an apartment, giving you the skills and ingenuity, you will need once you eventually move to a bigger place. Because when you finally get the chance to buy it, you deserve to be ready.