September 2018

DON’T MISS: HOW TO SIPHON GAS FOR YOUR CAR

GUIDELINES FOR YOUR FIRST WEEKEND HIKE

IN THIS ISSUE:

SEPTEMBER 2018

ENSURE YOU STAY ALIVE ONCE THE SHTF

AVOID THESE MISTAKES WITH YOUR GEAR

SEVEN WAYS TO BECOME HARDER TO KILL

KEEPING YOUR FAMILY CALM AFTER THE SHTF

STRETCH FINANCES TO SURVIVE UNEMPLOYMENT

HARD TRUTHS ABOUT FOOD AFTER A CRISIS and more…

VIP SURVIVAL ACADEMY - SEPTEMBER 2018

A

Contents

D.

A A ,

,

A AC A A CE ,

,

FEATURED

THE HARD TRUTHS ABOUT FINDING FOOD AFTER A CRISIS Starvation is a real risk you face once the SHTF. I don't care how many books you've read or video's you've watched. In the aftermath of a crisis, there is going to be serious competition…

page 4

HOW TO KEEP YOUR FAMILY CALM DURING A CRISIS On a whole, America is woefully unprepared for a crisis. The government doesn't have the ability, inclination or resources to make this a priority, so it comes down to us…

page 5

MISTAKES TO AVOID WITH SURVIVAL GEAR I'll admit it. My journey to preparedness has not been without its ups and downs. Looking back, there's a few mistakes I made. All of these created unnecessary stress in my relationships…

page 6

LEARN BUSHCRAFT SKILLS WITHOUT LEAVING YOUR YARD I have a fortunate life, but it often seems like weeks and months go by without being able to find the time to get out in the wild. You've got a family to care for, the weather isn't right, or there’s…

page 8

SEVEN WAYS TO BECOME HARDER TO KILL In a crisis, things will get bad, really quick. I like to think I'm prepared and I've got all possibilities covered, but I know it's foolish to even think this. You never really know…

page 9

STRETCH YOUR FINANCES TO SURVIVE UNEMPLOYMENT Getting laid off sucks. Suddenly you're thrown head-first into your own personal financial crisis. You don't know when you'll work again, and you don’t know where your next paycheck…

page 10

APPLY LESSONS IN SURVIVAL TO YOUR DAILY LIFE There's so many things you need to consider as a survivalist, and many of them are major decisions. Like installing solar panels on your roof. Or setting up a rain catchment system…

page 11

GUIDELINES FOR SETTING OFF ON YOUR FIRST WEEKEND HIKE There's something magical about hiking deep in the wild. You've been wandering down a trail, perhaps so far from civilization you've barely seen another person, and you've got all the time…

page 13

SMART TACTICS TO SIPHON GAS FOR YOUR CAR IN A DISASTER Running out of gas is a disaster. You're stranded, stuck on the side of the road with a car that refuses to go any further. But not only is it an inconvenience. If you're in a bad part of town…

1

VIP SURVIVAL ACADEMY - SEPTEMBER 2018

THE HARD TRUTHS ABOUT FINDING FOOD AFTER A CRISIS Starvation is a real risk you face once the SHTF. I don't care how many books you've read or video's you've watched. In the aftermath of a crisis, there is going to be serious competition for anything edible.

Look at the number of pounds they drop, and consider just how much needs to be edited out of the show because they're simply laying around camp lacking the energy to even do anything.

Because everyone else is in the same situation. And once your neighbors start roaming neighborhoods looking for fruit trees to plunder, or vegetable gardens to raid, it won't be long before your man-made preps are stripped bare.

And that's before we even get to the amount of injuries and "tap-outs" because something has gone wrong.

But what about the wild you ask? You've seen all the survival shows, and it doesn't look all that hard to find food. Even on what's arguably the most "real" show out there, the contestants on Naked and Afraid usually end up catching a few fish, or finding enough edibles to make it. How hard could it be? These guys have minimal gear, and they're still able to find food. Perhaps not the best meals, but enough to get by for a while in the woods. But there's a few things here I want to fill you in on. First, is that teams have gone in and scouted out locations with a bounty of natural resources. And even then, the contestants begin starving from day one.

Nature is harsh. Unforgiving to the untrained. And if you're planning to "hunt" and "forage" for your supplies, I want to give you a word of warning. You are risking your life. Without enough nutrients, you run the risk of slowly starving yourself to death. There're far too many people, even in my circles, who believe they'll be foraging for the majority of their needs once the SHTF. So how do you get around it? My first piece of advice is to get a taste of reality. If you believe you're going to survive on wild edibles and the animals you trap, bring your gear and spend a day or two in the woods, living off your catch alone. You’ll be surprised how tough it is. Our ancestors used to live off the land sure, but there is an almost endless list of cases where they perished.

2

Be it from malnutrition or eating poisonous food, what I want you to learn here is that it's going to be hard to secure a consistent amount of food. You can't guarantee your fish trap will work. Or that they’ll even be biting. You can’t guarantee you’ll find anything edible. So be prepared. It's a rather big mental hurdle to overcome. Next, I want you to remember that not everything in nature is safe.

“Without enough nutrients, you run the risk of slowly starving…”

VIP SURVIVAL ACADEMY - SEPTEMBER 2018 cont. If you're planning to forage for berries, fruits and edibles, you need an up-todate guidebook with pictures. When the grid is down and you're far from civilization, a little food poisoning could be the end of you. One of the most famous cases is of hiker Christopher McCandless, whose experience is documented in the film, "Into the Wild." After 113 days living off the land, he succumbed to the elements. And while the exact nature of his demise is still being debated, many experts believe the primary cause in his downfall to be food poisoning. You need to be a thousand percent sure you're eating the right plants. Of course, with the right approach you can make the most of a bad situation, and here's what I would recommend. Focus your efforts on collecting high calorie foods. Things that will give you energy for longer periods of time, like pine nuts, wild berries, and even starchy roots. Collect more than you need, and store them. You're like a squirrel hoarding your supplies so you don't need to spend all of your free time worrying about food. Because in nature, it really is feast or famine. And you better stock up while you can, and hide your stash somewhere the bugs and other animals can't find. If you want to survive long-term you will need a balanced diet. Eating just one thing, day after day isn't going to do you any good. Too much fish and you risk scurvy. Too many rabbits and you'll not be getting the fats your body needs. You cannot be a picky eater when you're trying to find food after a crisis. You haven't got a choice. Bugs are surprisingly nutritious, and can pack a decent number of calories for their size. You also need to know where to find them, and how to prepare them. Finally, remember to take the time to practice your wilderness survival skills. I've taken courses in native food gathering, with real trainers showing me exactly where to find, and how to prepare many different edibles. Learning first-hand is invaluable, you’ll remember so much more.

This was probably the most valuable investment I made, as I could get expert advice, right there in the wild. Your focus now should be to learn the techniques, and better yet actually get out in the wild and try using them. Spend the time learning how to fish in your local ponds and rivers. Actually, setup snares and traps for smaller game like rabbits and squirrels. And cook and prepare them once you've had a successful hunt.

3

Finding food in the wild is not an easy task. To be successful you need to ensure you're using the precious energy you have to focus on finding the right food, be willing to eat whatever you can find, and you're actively putting in the training and practice to ensure you'll be a success. Mother nature can provide, but it's not going to be easy. That's the hard truth too many survivalists fail to remember.

VIP SURVIVAL ACADEMY - SEPTEMBER 2018

HOW TO KEEP YOUR FAMILY CALM DURING A CRISIS On a whole, America is woefully u n p r e p a r e d f o r a c r i s i s. T h e government doesn't have the ability, inclination or resources to make this a priority, so it comes down to us. Hardworking families that are living in a society that will ultimately fail them in their hour of greatest need. The trouble is, most families are living in a state of ignorance and bliss. Spending money with a lifestyle they can only afford on credit, trying to put on a happy face for Instagram with a life that's not quite within reach. They're biggest concern is to keep up with the Jones's. And they're in for a rude awakening. Very, very few people have put any effort into their survival planning. If you're reading this blog, you're in an elite group. The 1 percent. The people who understand the risks, and that the scenarios we discuss will eventually come to pass. Maybe not tomorrow. Maybe not next month. But when they come, and they will, the streets will descend into chaos. Panic. Well, except for your family. Today, I'm going to share with you how to keep your family calm during a crisis. To me, that's one of the most important aspects of survival. If you're calm, relaxed, and generally in a good, positive mood – you're in a much better position to survive. STAY COMPOSED FOR THE SAKE OF EVERYONE No matter what has happened, it's important for you to be composed. If you're the head of the household, you'll set an example with the way you act, that will set the tone for the rest of your family. Even if your stomach is screaming in terror, do your best to put on a brave face and get moving right away. Your kids will pick up on this positivity, even if you're just acting like it's under control. So, take a few deep breaths, and regain your composure. You need to stay calm.

MAKE IT A PRIORITY TO GET EVERYONE TOGETHER Now this should already be part of your planning, but if you want to remove as much stress as possible, get your whole family together. You'll sleep easier knowing everyone you care about is under your roof, and well looked after. For me, this means getting my eldest daughter home from college, and bringing my elderly parent's home along the way. We've catered for these extra people in our food stockpile, and we'll all sleep easier when we're safe together. HUNKER DOWN AND RUN THROUGH YOUR STOCKPILE Once you're all together, there's going to be confusion, shock, and a thousand other emotions running through the minds of your family. Remember, you're the example, so don't let them see too much emotion. It's okay to be worried, but do your best to avoid letting it show. One technique that worked well in my family when we were riding out a pretty bad storm (and flooding that lasted for weeks) was to go through my stockpile. The kids knew we had "a whole bunch" of food, but they didn't quite get how much was in there. We did an activity gathering what we needed for a couple of days, and then made an inventory of everything in stock. They settled down a lot once they realized there would be food available for months. Along with food they actually like too. GET YOUR KIDS INVOLVED IN THE PROCESS Now that my kids knew what was what in our pantry, I tasked them with finding some recipes and meals that we could prepare together. The internet and the power were down, but that didn't stop them pouring over a couple of recipe books to see what we could make. After they picked a couple of meals, we made a cooking plan that they were able to help out on. What I liked about this was twofold. First, it gave them something to do, without burning all of our batteries watching television. But it also taught them to be a little more self-reliant. Even though my wife was there guiding each step of the process, my kids did "help out" with the cooking of more than a few meals which kept them entertained while learning key skills of their own.

4

MAKE GAMES OF SURVIVAL TASKS This last step was probably the most fun. Much like we got the kids involved in the kitchen, it was my job to find tasks they could help out on around our home. And there were a few, owing to both the stor m, and the rising floodwaters. We had fishing competitions between the four of us, went on hikes to collect wild edible plants, raced to see who could bring their goat dinner first (we have odd pets on our homestead), and I even tasked my son with lighting and caring for the fire each night. I find my kids thrive with a little responsibility, and it helped to ease the burden of tasks I was doing, while also giving them something to do. To me, that's a win-win. Boredom is one of the biggest obstacles you'll face in a disaster, and you'll need to be proactive coming up with new activities to keep it at bay. Riding out a disaster isn't easy. But there's more to it than just having a stockpile of food and gear. You need a positive mindset if you want to make it through unscathed, and it's also your job to look after the emotional needs of your family. Whether it's keeping their spirits up with some fun games, or putting on a brave face so your family stay calm, you can make a big difference throughout the ordeal to make it to the other side. And that's what counts.

VIP SURVIVAL ACADEMY - SEPTEMBER 2018 YOU NEED TO BUY BACKUP GEAR When my generator broke two days into a week-long power outage I wanted to scream. I thought I was prepared, but you need to remember that things break. You can't rely on a single piece of gear, as this becomes a single point of failure. Instead, you need to follow the same rule as the army. Two is one. One is none. You need common spare parts, or better yet, a complete replacement for all the items you'll be using. A generator is great, but if it won't run it's just an ugly paperweight. Same goes for your vehicles. Have at least two backups for every key piece of gear. So, in addition to our family car, we've also got a motorbike and a quad-bike, and worstcase we can bug out on our bikes. YOU DON’T NEED TO BUY FANCY GEAR

MISTAKES TO AVOID WITH SURVIVAL GEAR I'll admit it. My journey to preparedness has not been without its ups and downs. Looking back, there's a few mistakes I made. All of these created unnecessary stress in my relationships with my family, not to mention the wasted money, time and effort. If you're truly looking to be better prepared, there's a few key things to keep in mind. YOU’RE GOING TO NEED TO STORE IT Your supplies will take up space. A massive amount if you've got a big family. Consider food, water, and all of your equipment and gear, and you're looking at least two or three rooms in your house full to the ceiling with supplies. Yes. It is that much. You need to make a plan. We were lucky in that both my wife and I agreed to move to a rural homestead, which offered us plenty of space. In fact, we built an addition on to the side of our home which we call our mini-mart. It's got plenty of space to store what we need. Oh, and I also build a new "shed" to store all of our heave equipment. Without this as an option I'd recommend keeping a smaller supply, or finding unique storage solutions to keep your supplies out of sight.

YOU NEED TO HAVE THE RIGHT THINGS STORED Food isn't all you need. Water will be the hottest commodity once the taps stop working, so make sure you've got more than enough stored (for hygiene too), and you know how to replenish your supply. You'll also need a way to filter and clean any water you collect. Do you have clothing, medication and enough soap? How about deodorant? Toilet paper and dishwashing liquid? Toothpaste too, and don't forget backups. Everything you use in your home will need to be in your stash. YOU WILL NEED A VARIETY OF FOOD Your body needs a variety of nutrients to survive. Especially if you're not used to cooking with basic ingredients, you’ll have a big shock when it comes to eating everything you've stored. First, do a little research and look for recipes that will work, for long-term food stores. Learn how to make your own bread. Your own noodles. The idea is that you actually incorporate cooking with these types of ingredients into your daily life. Second, make sure you're adding variety. We've been steadily pickling and canning as much of our own produce as possible. Plus, we've also got a garden growing, which means we'll always have fresh veggies too.

5

Don’t waste money on the latest gear. The top of the line products. Or even useless items that are just being promoted. The amount of times you'll actually need a set of night vision infrared binoculars I could probably count on one hand. I mean, I get it. It's a nice piece of tech, but you also need to think about practicality. Invest your money into the right equipment. That will help you survive. Forget trying to impress your friends and family with all of your "stuff," what you want to ask before spending a single dollar on a piece of survival gear is – is this a luxury or a necessity. And not only that, make sure you've got a practical use for it, right now. If not, perhaps you out to reconsider if you need to buy it at all. YOU NEED TO BE ABLE TO CARRY IT Finally, this point is on actually bugging out. There is such a thing as packing too much, as it'll slow you down and make it impossible to actually get to your location. Be smart with every single item in your emergency kit, and if you think you're up for it go for a test hike. I'll bet after having it on your back for 5 or 10 miles there will be many things you're willing to take out next time. Being prepared is about staying smart. Choosing to stockpile the right gear that serves its purpose of keeping you alive. That's it. It doesn't need to be fancy, but you do need to put a little thought into it, or you'll make all of these mistakes too.

VIP SURVIVAL ACADEMY - SEPTEMBER 2018

LEARN BUSHCRAFT SKILLS WITHOUT LEAVING YOUR YARD I have a fortunate life, but it often seems like weeks and months go by without being able to find the time to get out in the wild. You've got a family to care for, the weather isn't right, or there's a thousand and one other reasons you're not able to go and practice your survival skills. Which is a problem. Without practice, you're done for. Knowing what to do because you watched a video, or read an article, is very different to applying those techniques in real life. There's an element of the unknown you need to master, but I've good news for you. Many survival skills you can learn in your own backyard. You don't need to disappear into the woods to practice, and in today's article I'll share a few key skills you can learn from the comfort of your own home. THE ART OF COLLECTING WATER Unless you have a running stream through your yard, it's going to be problematic finding a water supply that isn't a tap or a swimming pool. But there are fun projects you can do to give you a feeling for what it is like, and impart a little knowledge too.

Task 1

Task 1

Using the tarp in your bug out kit, set up a rain-catchment device the next time the weather looks grey. What you want to practice is collecting and harvesting the water from the sky, so you're confident in the wild. Just don't forget something to store it in, and to filter it before use.

Clear an area and start a fire. You could even make a game of it. Get your kids to help you collect the firewood, and see just how well you're able to get a fire roaring. As a reward you could enjoy a nice little cook out and make some smores in the flames. Task 2

Task 2 Another nifty little trick I learned in California was how to extract water from plants. Their leaves in particular. In my bug-out-bag I always keep a few large plastic bags, which you can tie over a leafy branch. Condensation will soon start to form inside, which will pool into fresh, drinking water. THE ART OF THE FIRE One particular element that many survivalists struggle with is fire. It's a finnicky beast, and even a little bit of moisture in the air can make it almost impossible to light. Depending on where you live, an open fire may not be permitted. What I'd recommend is buying a charcoal grill, and using this as your "fire pit" to ensure you're not breaking any neighborhood rules.

6

Start a fire without using a lighter. Ideally you want to master a number of traditional techniques.

“Without practice, you're done for…”

VIP SURVIVAL ACADEMY - SEPTEMBER 2018 cont. I prefer the bow drill for a friction fire, but you should be able to also get a fire going with a lens (from a pair of glasses), a fire steel, and by shorting out the battery in your flashlight. Task 3 Once you're confident of your fire making abilities, your next goal is to cook an entire meal on the flames. Consider buying something similar to what you'd catch in the wild, like a fresh fish, and get comfortable preparing a meal with only the supplies in your bug-out-bag. Task 4 Create fire torches. This is the perfect way to light up a campsite, and give a little comfort to your family in a crisis. Cut a pine branch, and split the end into four or five prongs. While you're at it, shove a handful of pine shavings into the gaps. Double points if you can find a resin ball to jam in their too. Then light it. The burning ends will draw the sap from the stick and burn for an hour or so. THE ART OF THE SHELTER Now I get that you're not going to be able to cut down trees and build a lean to like you would in an actual wilderness survival situation, but that doesn't mean you can't practice. Task 1 Take your tarp and setup a quick leanto in your backyard. Bonus points if you do it in bad weather, like a storm or the rain. The goal here is to use what you have in your bug out kit to create a shelter that keeps you dry and out of the rain. Though maybe do it on a nice night the first time. THE ART OF FINDING FOOD When it comes to spending any amount of time in the wild, you will need a sustainable source of food. And there's a few things you can do at home to practice. Task 1 Build improvised fishing poles. Using the line, hooks and gear in your bugout-bag, learn how to actually tie proper fishing knots and set up your rigs. It's fiddlier than it seems, especially if you've not had much of practice..

Task 2 Learn how to set snares and deadfalls. This could go terribly wrong if you have a pet cat or a small dog, so be warned. But there's nothing stopping you from actually setting these up and learning how to tie them. Just make sure you don't leave them out once you're done. Task 3 Master the art of the slingshot. It's not the most impressive weapon in a survivalist's arsenal, but it's one you can use effectively to take small game.

7

Like birds, squirrels, and (if it's powerful enough) a rabbit. Clear your yard of any pets, and setup a target to practice on. There really is no excuse to not be prepared. Without leaving the comfort of your own home you're able to practice and master a key set of survival skills, that will serve you well if you ever find yourself needing to evacuate or bug out to a remote location. The trick is to practice now, before you actually need them.

VIP SURVIVAL ACADEMY - SEPTEMBER 2018

SEVEN WAYS TO BECOME HARDER TO KILL

In a crisis, things will get bad, really quick. I like to think I'm prepared and I've got all possibilities covered, but I know it's foolish to even think this. You never really know what's going to happen, and that's a scary thought. It may take a couple of weeks for your area to bounce back. Heck, it might even be a couple of months. And that's when things get downright dangerous.

Because you're in a bad situation.

DONT GET INTO A ROUTINE

With little chance of help coming your way, people will die. It's a fact. And once people start dying, you're now in a particularly desperate place. No one wants to die. But there's a few ways you can stay safe. Yes, even during a SHTF event.

This is one of the hardest on the list, as we all love a good routine. You need to change things up if you want to gain the edge over anyone watching you. Don't use the same route to get to and from work. Don't leave and arrive home at the same time. Don't eat lunch at the same restaurant each day. Be spontaneous, even during a SHTF event, and you'll have the upper hand.

Adopt these techniques, and you'll be much harder to kill. START WITH YOUR FITNESS

USE THE NIGHT FOR COVER

Taking care of yourself is the first step. If you're ever in a confrontation, the last thing you want is to get gassed as you're trying to fight back. Or find you're slower than your pursuers and you can't actually run to escape. If you want to become hard to kill, you need to get fit. Start with a program like the Couch to 5k, and get your body moving. The more you exercise, the fitter you'll become. And that'll give you the endurance, and confidence in your own abilities to survive.

The last thing you want to do in a crisis is to put yourself in harm's way, but maybe you're missing a key item in your stockpile. If you need to venture out of the safety of your home, use the night for cover. Especially in the last hours of night before dawn, when most people are sleeping. Venturing out is a risk, but if you can do it at night, there's less chance you're spotted by anyone intending you harm.

LEARN HOW TO DEFEND YOURSELF

BE WILLING TO MOVE

Being able to fight back is critical. When people decide they want what you have, and they come for it, you better know how to defend yourself. Sign up for a class in self-defense, or better yet, start attending a martial arts program. Brazilian Ju-Jitsu is fantastic to learn take-downs and grappling techniques, while Muay Thai is one of the fastest forms of striking. Krav Maga is another that I can recommend learning from personal experience.

There's a delicate balance when surviving a crisis. Staying put is usually the best strategy, but even if you love your home and your community, you need to be ready to move in the face of a disaster. Pack your go-bags and have a couple of options for vehicles as well as routes to take to escape the city and make it to your bug out location. The faster you can do this the better, as you're getting out of the danger zone and into an area where your chances of survival are far higher.

BE READY, WILLING AND ABLE TO FIRE

DON’T BE COCKY

More than hand to hand combat, you can expect that almost everyone who intends you harm in a SHTF situation will be armed. It's just the way it is. And if you want to stay alive, you need a firearm yourself. But not only that, you need to ensure you're able to use it in high-stress situations. Having a gun drawn on you will raise your heartbeat fast, so take some tactical shooting classes and get really comfortable with your gun. It needs to become a part of you, so you've no hesitation in taking down someone who intends you harm.

Finally, I just want to cover one last point. Many of the survivalists I know are cocky. They talk a big game, they shoot a lot of guns, and they like to think they are "all that" when it comes to prepping and survival. This attitude is what will get them killed. Thinking you're the top dog, or being overly aggressive or prideful will boost your ego, and put your life at risk when the SHTF. You need to be willing to accept help, to understand the dangers of the situation you're in, and for the love of god don't do anything that could make you a potential target. Cocky, show-offs will get what's coming to them, and it won't be surviving the crisis.

I can bet they'll have no reservations shooting you.

8

VIP SURVIVAL ACADEMY - SEPTEMBER 2018 Be brutal, and look for anything that may get you a few bucks on eBay or Craigslist. Old gaming consoles that never get played, books you no longer read, and things your kids have grown out of, like their crib. It adds up. I even made a few hundred bucks selling our two kayaks, they'd been in our shed two years without touching the water. START GARDENING

STRETCH YOUR FINANCES TO SURVIVE UNEMPLOYMENT Getting laid off sucks. Suddenly you're thrown head-first into your own personal financial crisis. You don't know when you'll work again, and you don’t know where your next paycheck is coming from. It's scary, but it's also not the end of the world. There are a few things I'd like to share that helped my family, and perhaps they’ll help you. FILE FOR UNEMPLOYMENT The very first thing you should do (if you were fired of course), is to contact your local state department to find the unemployment benefits available. Usually you'll get part of your income replaced, and most states will offer benefits for at least 26 weeks, if not more. It depends on your state, and your situation. Now you've got a little money coming in, you can breathe. STOP SPENDING MONEY Next step is to start budgeting. Hopefully you've got a little cash socked away, but if not, you can budget accordingly. Look at your bank statements, and work out how much you've been spending (per month). Then stop spending on anything that isn't a necessity. Going to the movies? Cut it. Fancy gym membership? It's gone. Eating out three nights a week? Not anymore. When you start cutting expenses, you’ll find significant savings.

Now I know you're looking for a job, but when you do have a little down time use it to garden. Not watch Maury. It'll get you out in the fresh air and give you a little exercise, plus it gives you something productive to do. I was super depressed after I lost my job, but watching my garden grow was rather fulfilling. And not only that, after a few months the new crops started to bear fruit, which was almost perfect timing on our food stockpile getting low. So, we replenished what we had eaten, and know there was even more on the way. GO TO THIRFT SHOPS AND YARD SALES

Now you do need to eat, but your life will revolve around shopping smart. If you've got food stockpiled start here. But once it starts to dwindle you need to be buying items on sale. When there's a two-for-one special. Clipping coupons and taking these to redeemat your local supermarket. And filling your freezer with meat and vegetables whenever they’re on sale. Oh, and shop generic. They're often a third (or more) of the price, and your family may not even notice the difference.

Most people are surprised when they learn that there's almost nothing "new" in our homestead. We furnished it entirely from what we discovered in yard sales and in thrift shops. If you do need something big, like a fridge, look at your options for secondhand before you buy new. You can save hundreds of dollars, and often find treasures that are even nicer than you could otherwise afford. If I need something special I try to spark up a conversation with the owner. You never know what they may have for sale that's tucked away in a corner you don't notice!

CALL YOUR PROVIDERS

GENERATE A LITTLE MONEY

This is a fun one. There's a good chance the services you pay for on a monthly basis aren't the best deals. Perhaps they once were, but a phone call to your insurance company, your mobile carrier, and anything else you're paying for on a monthly basis can often uncover hidden savings. I was able to get a lower insurance premium on my car after I threatened to change providers, and bundle our cell plans into one contract that ended up saving us about $50 a month. Worth it.

If there's one good thing to say about the internet, is there's now plenty of ways to make a buck. Use apps like TaskRabbit to generate a little income, or put up ads on Craigslist for whatever it is you can do. Got a truck? Perhaps someone needs help moving. Or landscaping services. You could even browse the wanted ads for any simple jobs you can do. Making $50 here and there will add up quick, and it's a productive way to still contribute to your family's finances.

START PAWNING YOUR GEAR

Losing your job sucks, and you should be focused on finding a new one. But if you get smart with your finances, you can stretch your money and survive unemployment.

COUPON AND SHOP SMARTER

If you're anything like me, you've probably got a ton of gear that you no longer need (or even use).

9

VIP SURVIVAL ACADEMY - SEPTEMBER 2018 KEEP YOUR PHONE CHARGED

APPLY LESSONS IN SURVIVAL TO YOUR DAILY LIFE There's so many things you need to consider as a survivalist, and many of them are major decisions. Like installing solar panels on your roof. Or setting up a rain catchment system. These are big considerations to make, that cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars. And then some. Our bug out location started as a simple project on a bit of land, and this spiraled out of control as we constantly added bigger and bigger upgrades. To me, these things are a necessity. But there's a few things you can do in your daily life that will better prepare you should a disaster hit. And that's what counts. NEVER LET YOUR GAS RUN DOWN It doesn't matter how perfectly you've packed your bug-out-bag, if you've not got the ability to actually get anywhere because your car is running on fumes you'll be in trouble. Always keep your gas tank above halffull. Yes, it does mean you'll waste a little more time stopping to get gas, but there's one huge advantage. If you do need to flee, you're able to get at least a couple of hundred miles away without a second's thought.

“a crash could happen to the best of us…”

Smartphones have quickly become ingrained in our lives, and they make everything so much easier. From ordering food to catching a ride. When your battery dies, it's a disaster. I've made a point to have a charger handy at all times. If I'm in my car, at the office, or anywhere out and about, I know it's got enough life to stay connected with my family and loved ones. I usually also carry a battery pack, which will fully recharge my iPhone 7 twice. There's no excuse to lose one of the best sources of information you've got because of a low battery. BE READY TO BUG OUT Speed is your biggest ally in a disaster, as the faster you can get moving the better. You'll be ahead of the crowds of unprepared civilians, who spent hours at home packing everything they could grab into their SUVs. Make it a habit to prepare two things. A bug out bag for your car, along with an everyday carry you can take to school or work or whatever. And these don't need to be too crazy. A change of clothes, a pair of decent shoes, and a handful of tools and energy bars can go a long way in a crisis. KEEP A LITTLE CASH HANDY I'm all for cards, and I try to put every purchase I make on my credit card (to rack up the points). But as soon as the systems go down, you need a backup plan. You need cash. I always carry a hundred bucks or so on me, but there's a few hidden stashes I can tap if need be. There's another greenback slipped into the space behind my phone and its case, another $300 hidden wrapped inside a pen in my car, and of course a safe with a bunch more at home. It's not that I don't trust the banks. I do. The vast majority of my funds are securely held across a couple of different banks. But if they go down I'd like to be able to access my cash . REMEMBER SANITARY

TO

S TA Y

It's common sense, and I'm sure all of you wash our hands. But be honest with me. When did you last give your hands a proper wash? The kind of wash you see the doctors on TV do, where they spend 10 to 20 seconds scrubbing under their nails and making sure all the germs are dead. Right?

10

Good sanitation is one of the best ways you can fight against germs and other diseases, so make a habit of washing your hands (properly mind you) every time you've been out in public, and before you eat anything. You'll get sick far less. P R A C T I C E S I T UA T I O N A L AWARENESS I'm not one to shy away from public places "just in case," but it goes without saying that the world we live in is slowly getting worse. Mass shootings, terror attacks and worse, one tactic you can actively work on is called situational awareness. The idea is simple, instead of getting lost in your phone when you're out in public, keep your head up and pay attention. Look for suspicious people, objects that are out of place, and plan where you'll run if the SHTF. Just this simple act of thinking about it will give you the edge should something actually happen. BE A DEFENSIVE DRIVER The final point is one risk we put ourselves in every day. The roads. Sitting in a giant hunk of metal with the only protection against other cars a few lines painted on the road. It's not something we often think about, but a crash could happen to the best of us. So, take a few classes on defensive driving, and never let yourself get distracted behind the wheel. Answering a call, or losing concentration is the first step, your goal here is to never let yourself get in a dangerous situation behind the wheel. Knowing how to regain control if you slide out, or how to escape someone following you may just save your life. There's so much more to being a survivalist than the big-ticket items we all love to brag about. But actually, putting into practice, real lessons in survival, is more than common sense. It's a way of live that ensures we're always ready, no matter what.

VIP SURVIVAL ACADEMY - SEPTEMBER 2018

GUIDELINES FOR SETTING OFF ON YOUR FIRST WEEKEND HIKE There's something magical about hiking in the wild. You've been wandering down a trail, so far from civilization you've barely seen another person, and you've got all the time in the world to slow down, and discover the true beauty of nature. It's calming, and it allows me to remember what's really important. But that's not the best thing about hiking. With a little preparation and the right gear, almost everyone can go for a hike. And it gives you a nice chance to put into practice all those survival skills you've been reading about. Keep reading to discover what you need to know before setting off on your first hike. DECIDE HOW LONG TO HIKE FOR The first step in narrowing down your options is to consider how long you want to be walking. Do you have just a couple of hours free on a Saturday morning, or are you planning to spend the night and want to push yourself a little bit?

My advice would be to take it easy the first time, and once you get comfortable with both your gear, and being in the wild, to only then start pushing it out to multi-day hikes. CHOOSE THE TRAIL TO HIKE There's so many good hiking spots around the world, you're almost guaranteed there will be one close to you. Take a look online, you can simply look for state and national parks on Google Maps, then once you've got the name type it into Google and see if there's more information on the trails and amenities provided. There's also usually a bunch of pictures other hikers have taken, so you can get a sense for what it's actually like, before you decide to go. FIND A PARTNER FOR THE HIKE I'm very comfortable hiking solo, but I've also been doing this for years. And there's plenty that can go wrong.

11

Like getting lost or injured, far from anyone who can help. I'd highly recommend finding a friend to join the hike. Plus, if they've got a little more experience than you they could also be a great source of first-hand knowledge, and may even have gear you can borrow, or recommendations for a nice trail to hike.

“put into practice all those survival skills…”

VIP SURVIVAL ACADEMY - SEPTEMBER 2018 SEVEN PRINCIPLES FOR BEING A CONSIDERATE HIKER 1. Plan Ahead and Prepare. Be ready for the weather, and know the regulations where you visit. 2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces. You don't need to "make" a campsite, find the right area. 3. Dispose of Waste Properly. Whatever you bring in, pack it to take back out again. 4. Leave What You Find. Look but don't touch, and don't do anything that leaves a mark. 5. Minimize Campfire Impacts. Use a stove, or if not try to keep your fire small and in a fire circle. 6. Respect Wildlife. Don't feed the animals and give them plenty of distance. 7. Be Considerate of Other Visitors. Don't make too much noise, and yield to others on the trail.

RESEARCH BEFORE BRINGING YOUR DOG For dog owners it's almost a silly question, if you're going hiking of course you'll take man's best friend along with you. But be warned. Most national parks do not allow dogs at all, and even if you're visiting a state park there can also be strict restrictions. Almost all require that your dog be leashed at all times, and some will ask for you to carry out any waste. So, do your research first. The last thing you want is to get out there and be turned away because you've got a dog with you. INVEST IN GOOD QUALITY GEAR This is even more important once you start on multi-day hikes, but I'd recommend investing in a comfortable backpack from day one. It'll put less stress on your feet and back, and make it easier to carry your supplies around with you. A decent pair of hiking shoes are also critical, as you'll be on your feet the whole time, which can be a bit discomforting if you're a little out of shape, or have a desk job all week.

Oh, and when you start overnight trips, get the best tent you can afford. You'll thank me when the weather turns and your only shelter is your tent. PACK SMART FOR EACH TRIP I've been told my kit is a little overkill, but I like to be prepared. In addition to plenty of food and water, I'll throw in a spray jacket, a new set of clothes, two changes of socks, a small first aid kit, a hardcopy map and compass, sunscreen and bug repellant, some toilet paper, as well as a compact tarp, paracord to string it up, fire-making supplies, and of course a knife and small hatchet. My thoughts on this are quite similar to bugging out. Even though I'm only hiking for an afternoon, if I get injured or stuck, I've got the gear I need to make it through a couple of days. Plus, if we decide to hike on because the weather nice, I've already got what I need. KEEP YOUR FAMILY UPDATED It's important you've got someone back home waiting for you to check in. They just need the basics, where you're going, who you're with, and when to expect you home.

12

I also like to give a few details on the specifics, like the campsite we'll be at, and any notable sights we plan to see, so they've got the information for the authorities to send out a search party if we don't make it back in time. If no one knows you're missing, you could be in big trouble if the hike goes wrong. REMEMBER TO LEAVE NO TRACE This last point is more like a set of guiding principles for hikers, and those who love the outdoors. I genuinely believe most of us have the best intentions, but it doesn't take much for a pristine piece of nature to be damaged beyond repair with a few thoughtless acts. Hiking is one of my favorite weekend activities. There's a calm to the wild that you just don’t get in a city, and not only that, it gives you a real insight as to what it will be like bugging out. You get to practice real survival techniques in the real world, like starting a fire or setting up shelter, and are rewarded with some truly great experiences. Do me a favor. Go hiking this weekend.

VIP SURVIVAL ACADEMY - SEPTEMBER 2018

SMART TACTICS TO SIPHON GAS FOR YOUR CAR IN A DISASTER Running out of gas is a disaster. You're stranded, stuck on the side of the road with a car that refuses to go any further. But not only is it an inconvenience. If you're in a bad part of town, or miles and miles from civilization, things could get dangerous fast. It's not a good situation to be in. Now think for a second what life will be like in the aftermath of a disaster. We see the team on "The Walking Dead" happily driving everywhere. They've got bikes, cars and more than enough fuel to keep the adventures rolling. Sadly, we're probably going to experience life at the opposite end of the spectrum. The gas stations will run dry. People will hoard gasoline, but without regular resupplies (you'd be surprised just how much trucking and logistics occurs while the rest of the world is sleeping), gas is going to be in high demand. Perhaps second only to ammo. If you want to give your family the best chance of survival, you need to know how to siphon gas from the abandoned cars in your area. You need to know how to collect this vital resource, when the gas station attendants are long gone and the pumps have run dry. Because if you run out of gas, your next best bet to refuel is to raid it from another vehicle.

Of course, this becomes a bit of a legal grey area. Siphoning someone else's gas is stealing. But if that's what it takes to keep your family safe in a disaster, sometimes you need to break the law. I'd just ask that you also think about the consequences of your actions. Scavenging may be necessary, but only ever as a last resort, and never from anyone who will also need what you take. Right? Good. Now here's where it gets tricky. Siphoning gas isn't all that hard, unless you've no idea what you're doing. It takes a little practice to get right, and you'll need the right equipment too. But once you've got it working a couple of times, you'll be set, and you'll probably never forget. First though, I want to explain about the technique. Siphoning gas works on a principle not unlike a beer bong. Crude example I know, but it illustrates what you're trying to achieve. You've got the tank, full of gas. A connecting tube. And you want it to pour out the end into a container. But instead of using gravity to get the gas out, you need to use pressure. Because the tube you're siphoning with goes up and into the gas tank.

13

Gravity won't work. Once you've pressurized it, the gas will flow freely, so long as the end of your siphon tube is lower than the gas tank. Pretty straightforward, right? But first, a word of warning. Gas is poisonous, and highly flammable. Follow this guide at your own risk, and use a little common sense about it. You could end up covered in gas, or even worse, actually inhale the fumes or drink it. It's not a tasty experience, and gas is a poison. So be careful.

“Siphoning gas is a technique you need to know, just in case…”

VIP SURVIVAL ACADEMY - SEPTEMBER 2018 cont. Remember, we're doing this as a last resort, where you have no other options but to siphon gas to keep your car (or generator) running in the aftermath of a crisis. You need to prepare a couple of things now. You will need a length of tube about 6 to 8 ft long. Clear is preferable, and if you've a choice try to find one that's around an inch in diameter. Thinner will work, but it'll take longer to get the gas. Oh, and remember to have something to store the gas in. A container specifically designed for it is your best bet, but glass bottles will work in a pinch. Just avoid using anything made of thin plastic, as the chemicals in the gas can melt it. Now you need to find a car, preferably an older model. I say older car because manufacturers have built in safeguards on modern versions to stop people doing what you're trying to do. It's also designed to stop all of your gas leaking out in the event of a crash, which is actually a nice safety feature. It just makes it difficult for you to get the gas out in an emergency. What you're wanting to bypass on modern cars is either a ball or butterfly valve. It allows the gas to flow in, but once it starts moving in the opposite direction it closes tight.

These valves also make it nearly impossible to shove a plastic piece of tube past and into the gas tank. As a workaround, you've got a couple of options. A long screwdriver could be used to force the valve open while you insert the tube, just be wary of creating a spark and setting everything on fire. Or you could try a thinner tube that's thicker and sturdier. Cut the end you're inserting on an angle, and spin it as you push it in. If you're lucky, it should slide in past the valve. The only downside is it'll take a little longer to siphon the gas. Because these valves are so delicate, what you're trying to do has the potential to do a lot of damage. So be careful, and remember to only use these techniques in a real crisis. Right. You've got the equipment and your target. Use a screwdriver or pry bar to pop the cover on the gas tank and open the lid. First you need to shove the tube all the way down and into the gas tank until it's submerged in the gas. You can test this by blowing air through the tube. If you can hear it bubbling, you're good to go. Set your gas can down on the ground. It needs to be lower than the gas in the tank for this to work.

14

While you're getting in place make sure the tube you're using is long enough to reach down and into the gas can. Now comes the tricky part. You're going to put your mouth on the tube, and give it a good suck. But be careful. This is also why I suggested a clear tube. Once you see the gas flowing out of the tank, you want to crimp the tube before it rushes out and into your mouth, or starts spilling over the ground. Be ready. This will happen really fast. After you've got the gas in the tube, move the end of it into your gas can. Then open the crimp. The gas will start rushing out, and now you just need to wait for your gas can to fill. Once you have enough, pull the tube out of the gas tank and the flow will stop. Siphoning gas is a technique you need to know how to do, just in case. Of course, if you're concerned about drinking the gas or breathing the fumes you could always buy a gas siphon pump. It works on much the same principle but instead of needing to breathe to create the suction, you just use the pump. Remember though. Only ever do this as a last resort. You're stealing gas from cars which could get you in a world of trouble with not only the police, but the owners of the cars too. Stay safe fellow patriots.