Survival Gear is the most unused product until a natural disaster happens, then it’s the most desired products, but usually too late to help those that really need the help.
We sell around the World, and pride ourselves on offering a level of customer service that we would want to see ourselves if we were shopping online.
Our product ranges change regularly, so we hope that you come back to our sites to see some of the fantastic offers that we regularly have.
I think that it would be safe to say that many people who are reading this have experienced a power outage at some point in …
Read moreEMP/CME Survival Guide: A Threat To Prepare For
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Having a knife to carry with you can come in handy and can even keep you safe. A knife is an absolute must in a …
Read moreOntario Rat 2 Review: How Does it Hold Up?
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An entrenching tool, a small shovel, can be an invaluable piece of gear to have in your survival pack. But a survival shovel has more …
Read moreEST Gear Shovel Review: Hands-On
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It has been on my heart to write this article for a few days, but I knew that it wouldn’t be easy to write. 2020 has already been one of the worst years in modern U.S. history, and it looks like the next six months are going to be extremely challenging as well. But even though most Americans are expecting that things will return to “normal” in 2021 and beyond, the truth is that the “perfect storm” that we are witnessing is only in the very early stages. All of the old cycles are ending, all of the bubbles are bursting, and we are starting to experience the consequences of decades of incredibly foolish decisions. So even though the remaining months of 2020 will be chaotic, the truth is that things are going to get progressively worse as the years move along. That means that you should use this period of time to prepare for what is ahead of us, because at some point the window of opportunity to prepare will be closed for good.
COVID-19 should have been a wake up call for all of us. Lockdowns were implemented very suddenly once the virus started to spread in the U.S., and shortages of key items began to happen. To this day, many retailers are still limiting the number of items that you can buy in certain categories. Hopefully this has helped people to understand that if you have not stocked up in advance, you may not be able to go out and get what you need when a major crisis strikes.
During the initial stages of this pandemic, a lot of people ended up being stuck at home without enough supplies. In the event of a truly historic emergency, you can certainly survive without toilet paper, but if you run out of food you could find yourself in big trouble quite quickly.
The good news is that COVID-19 is not going to kill us all. About half a million people around the world have died so far, and the final death toll will be a lot lower than the tens of millions that died during the Spanish Flu pandemic of 1918 to 1920.
But if our society was extremely ill-prepared for a pandemic of this nature, what is going to happen when a pandemic that is much more severe hits us?
Scientists assure us that it is just a matter of time before a killer plague sweeps across the planet, and the Bible tells us that there will be “pestilences” in the last days. If you find yourself isolated at home for an extended period of time as millions of others are dying from a virus, will you be able to survive on what you have already stored up?
If not, you need to get to work.
Big economic problems are ahead as well. So far in 2020, more than 47 million Americans have filed new claims for unemployment benefits, more than 100,000 businesses have permanently closed their doors, and it is being projected that U.S. GDP will decline by 46.6 percent on an annualized bases during the second quarter. Those are absolutely disastrous numbers, but so far trillions of dollars of emergency government spending has helped to ease the pain.
But those emergency measures were only meant to get us through a few months, and it is now becoming clear that this new economic depression will be with us for a very long time to come.
Of course deteriorating economic conditions will fuel even more civil unrest. We have seen rioting, looting, arson and violence in city after city, and much more civil unrest is on the horizon.
If you live in one of our major urban areas, you may want to move while you still can. Due to a huge surge in demand, property prices in the most desirable small towns and rural areas are already starting to go through the roof.
On top of everything else, food shortages are starting to occur all over the globe. According to the head of the UN, we are on the verge of seeing “unimaginable devastation and suffering around the world”…
The U.N. chief on Thursday warned the largest gathering of world leaders since the coronavirus pandemic began that it will cause “unimaginable devastation and suffering around the world,” with historic levels of hunger and famine and up to 1.6 billion people unable to earn a living unless action is taken now.
Giant swarms of locusts the size of major cities are devouring crops in Africa, the Middle East and Asia, African Swine Fever has already killed about one-fourth of all the pigs in the entire world, and crazy weather patterns have been playing havoc with crop production all over the planet.
And now on top of everything else COVID-19 is greatly disrupting food distribution systems all over the world.
We have never seen so many severe threats to global food production occur simultaneously, and the Bible clearly tells us that there will be “famine” in the last days.
Meanwhile, a major war could erupt in the Middle East at any moment. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said that he will begin the process of annexing portions of Judea and Samaria in July, and Israel’s Arab neighbors have promised a very forceful response if that actually happens.
The region has constantly been on the precipice of war for years, and this could potentially be the trigger that finally causes it to happen.
If everything that I have discussed so far wasn’t enough, the planet that we all live on is becoming increasingly unstable. We have witnessed a number of very alarming earthquakes this week, and a truly catastrophic event could literally happen at any moment.
As my regular readers already know, I am particularly concerned about seismic activity on the west coast and about the potential for a historic earthquake along the New Madrid fault zone.
But even considering everything that I just shared with you, there is no other time in human history that I would have rather been alive than right now.
All of human history has been building up to this point, and we are so fortunate to be living during this moment.
However, it is going to be exceedingly difficult to thrive during the historic events that are ahead if you have not made any preparations for what is coming.
I realize that things may seem very chaotic now, but the truth is that this is your window of opportunity to prepare.
I would take full advantage of that opportunity, because the clock is ticking.
About the Author: I am a voice crying out for change in a society that generally seems content to stay asleep. My name is Michael Snyder and I am the publisher of The Economic Collapse Blog, End Of The American Dream and The Most Important News, and the articles that I publish on those sites are republished on dozens of other prominent websites all over the globe. I have written four books that are available on Amazon.com including The Beginning Of The End, Get Prepared Now, and Living A Life That Really Matters. (#CommissionsEarned) By purchasing those books you help to support my work. I always freely and happily allow others to republish my articles on their own websites, but due to government regulations I need those that republish my articles to include this “About the Author” section with each article. In order to comply with those government regulations, I need to tell you that the controversial opinions in this article are mine alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of the websites where my work is republished. The material contained in this article is for general information purposes only, and readers should consult licensed professionals before making any legal, business, financial or health decisions. Those responding to this article by making comments are solely responsible for their viewpoints, and those viewpoints do not necessarily represent the viewpoints of Michael Snyder or the operators of the websites where my work is republished. I encourage you to follow me on social media on Facebook and Twitter, and any way that you can share these articles with others is a great help. During these very challenging times, people will need hope more than ever before, and it is our goal to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with as many people as we possibly can.
Written by Wild Bill on The Prepper Journal.
All of us at The Prepper Journal want to wish you and your families a safe holiday season. Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah.
The post Merry Christmas & Happy Hanukkah appeared first on The Prepper Journal.
Written by Wild Bill on The Prepper Journal.
All of us at The Prepper Journal want to wish you and your families a safe holiday season. Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah.
The post Merry Christmas & Happy Hanukkah appeared first on The Prepper Journal.
If you looking for the best door reinforcement kits and other door security measures, you’re in the right place.
Door reinforcement is one of the best ways to drastically increase your home’s security.
But unfortunately, it’s one of the last upgrades people make…
I want to change that, so today I’m going to cover everything I know about reinforcing doors, specifically:
**Note: Feel free to skip ahead to any section of this article by clicking a link above.
Hollywood is not reality, but movies do influence how we think about reality. This influence is especially true when it comes to home invasions.
Action movies show thieves hatching elaborate plans to trick complex security systems. OR they feature Ninjas scaling up walls to second-floor windows to cut glass and unlock it.
In reality, most intruders avoid such complex maneuvers. Instead, the experienced “pros” opt for lower-risk break-ins.
They prefer quick and easy.
They want a fast “smash and grab” they can pull off with nearly zero risks of getting caught.
For example, kicking in a cheap door or smashing a thin window allows them to escape prying eyes sooner.
That’s why most home intrusions involve forced entry through an unsecured door. Data proves this number might be high as 85% by some reports.
The first thing to notice is that most break-ins occur at home residences (67.2%), most involve forcible entry (57.5%), and 88% of break-ins occur on the ground floor.
AND only 6.3% of the break-ins fall into the “attempted” category.
The way I interpret this data is that most break-ins involve forced entry AND most are successful (for the thief).
I also see the 36.2% unlawful entries as most likely “unforced entry” through unsecured doors. These often include garage side doors and backyard doors. Why? Because these “alternative entry points” are often overlooked when the occupants leave home.
And they’re also less likely to be built to the same security standards as your front entryway door.
I’ll be honest; on occasion, I’ve forgotten to lock my back garage door after a long day of yard work. And I only realized my security mistake later the next day.
ANYONE could have walked through my back yard and right into my house. Oops! Let me just say, it’s NOT a warm and fuzzy feeling!
Now, what about all the hype around home security alarm systems? The ones that alert you (and the authorities) if someone opens a door or window.
No doubt, they’re a great addition to anyone’s home fortification strategy. But these expensive security systems are reactive by nature, NOT preventative.
They only let you know that SOMETHING BAD IS ALREADY HAPPENING!
And hence, they can create a false sense of security. And too many people ignore other necessary home security improvements – like exterior doors.
ALL exterior first floor doors should be the first place to spend your time and attention on home security.
Heck, if your doors look well-built and secure, a burglar might not even attempt to break-in.
It’s a real-life strategy called target hardening.
If a door looks resilient and has no cover (bushes/fence) nearby, it becomes risky for an intruder to attempt a break-in.
And like lions looking for a quick meal, thieves tend to gravitate towards weaker prey as well.
For an intruder, it’s all about ease and cover. Experienced intruders won’t accept extra obstacles and will seek out easier prey.
And if they still decide to give it a go, a secure door that delays entry will deter all but the most stubborn of thieves.
Before reinforcing any of your doors, you need to make sure the door itself isn’t “the weak link.” So let’s cover several different door construction options and the pros/cons of each:
All too often, people use these cheap doors to secure garages, backdoors, and even some front doors!
The majority of these flimsy doors being of the hollow-core variety.
These doors have an exterior wood frame. And this frame supports an interior honeycomb structure of fiberboard.
And then the entire assembly gets covered in thin sheets of veneer wood to make it “look good.”
The cores of these doors usually use cheap fiberboard – or occasionally cardboard! Yes, cardboard!
These doors are light, cheap, and available at ANY hardware store.
And they’re perfect for many interior spaces, like a bedroom closet. But NOT for an exterior door where security matters!
Why? Because a kid in football gear with a running start can bust right through a hollow-core door. And that’s why they won’t stop a criminal either.
This material upgrade tends to make them a bit heavier. That’s why these doors have a solid feel and better sound deadening.
However, again, you should only install them in interior settings. Why? Because, like hollow-core doors, particleboard readily absorbs water from rain and snow and…swell. And swelling forces the door out of the jamb and makes it hard to close the latch properly.
And if these doors remain wet for too long, the particle board starts to disintegrate. This process will continue until the door completely fails.
Again, a cheap solution like this will end up costing you more in the long run.
These doors start and end with solid wood boards. Those boards are then joined together with glue and fasteners.
This strategy produces a door with more strength than either hollow or solid core doors.
And that’s why solid wood doors can be quite expensive.
Not only are they ideal for security, but they also look good on the exterior of a home. Any exterior location demands unique patterns and finishes to match different home decors.
Heck, many exterior solid wood doors include designer windows and other decorative features.
A well built solid wood door can last a long time. But they also take regular maintenance and protection from the elements.
The interior of a solid wood door is often at least as strong, if not stronger, than the surrounding door frame. This strength makes them the minimum of what you want for an exterior door.
Finally, the most common type of modern exterior door is an insulated metal door.
These doors feature an insulated core, surrounded by metal panels on the exterior. Some even have extra metal panels within the interior as well.
These panels are often decorative, with textures and design elements. Many emulate a solid wood door construction including windows and “raised panel” details.
Insulated metal doors are very resistant to the elements AND forced entry attempts. So they’re a great choice if you’re replacing older doors and want to beef up security.
Of course, they come at a cost premium, so make sure to budget for the upgrade.
No doubt, the addition of windows can be a beautiful aesthetic. BUT they can also add significant security risks. Why? Because even the most secure door is worthless if a burglar can smash a window and reach the door lock.
This security vulnerability is worse if you have windows within arm’s reach of the door lock.
In that case, it may be worth replacing them with security glass or polycarbonate instead.
In higher crime areas, window bars or grates are also an option. But local laws may restrict what windows you can cover, and they’re not all that pretty to look at either.
No lock in the world can stop a persistent intruder IF the door latches into a cheap frame.
Luckily, there are several ways you can reinforce a door frame to make it more resistant to attacks.
Unfortunately, manufacturers ship many exterior doors with short 2″ hinge screws. 2″ IS NOT a deep enough for security!
Ideally, you want the screws to go through the hinge plate, door frame, and into the structure of the building.
So I recommend you remove one of these screws and buy similar screws that are 4″ in length.
Make sure to buy enough to replace ALL the screws in the doors hinges.
Now, once back home, replace each screw one at a time. This strategy prevents the hinges from shifting and causing the door to bind or squeak.
Door Reinforcement Kit via Armor Concepts
Another method of door frame reinforcement is to invest in a door reinforcement kit. I like this one from Armor Concepts.
This kit is the best on the market and includes protection for both the doorknob lock and the deadbolt. Plus, it protects the hinges and the door frame against drilling and prying!
It’s a massive upgrade to the structure of the door frame. This modification will give you extreme peace of mind. Now you KNOW the frame is as durable as the door itself.
Again, Armor Concepts is the door reinforcement company we recommend.
Their kits have stood up insanely well to intense police force testing; watch the video below for proof:
Not only that, but each kit offers a lifetime warranty. Plus, they include a $500 guarantee against door kick-ins.
You can even use their security kits to help repair previous door frame damage!
Here’s a video showing the installation of an Armor Concepts Door Reinforcement Kit:
Once you’ve got solid doors on all the exterior doorways, it’s time to increase the security even more.
Now, your chosen methods for adding security are often driven by whether you own or rent.
A homeowner can usually make extensive modifications (within local building codes). But if you rent, you’ll likely need a landlord’s permission to make ANY changes. And your lease agreement may prevent you from reinforcing doors or changing locks.
But it’s always wise to approach home security in a multi-layered strategy anyways. So let’s examine a range of security upgrades you can add in stages.
We’ll start with the easiest upgrades first. They are the ones that apply to both rentals and homeownership.
Then we’ll work towards more involved security upgrades for homeowners – the ones you may want to hire a skilled handyman to perform.
These wedge-shaped doorstops do a decent job of blocking a door from being forced open. But they also include an ear-piercing alarm system!
If an intruder pushes on the door hard enough to force the doorstop to slip, it triggers a loud 120dB alarm.
It’s not a simple doo reinforcement upgrade, and a bit cumbersome to set each time you leave home. But for about $5 each, you can afford to put one at every door.
Plus, they don’t require any installation or wiring. So door stop alarms are especially useful in rental security situations.
And some of the door jammer models come with audible alarms built-in as well.
Plus, they’re both adjustable and portable. So any jammer will fit a wide range of doors and can take them with you if you move (or even when traveling).
Like the door stop alarm, door jammers are simple to install. AND you can place them without ANY modifications to the home, so they’re ideal for renters.
What’s one of the most vulnerable situations for forced entry? It’s when an occupant cracks open the door to see who’s on the other side.
Yes, security chains do provide some protection for this. But it’s far better to leave the door shut until you can determine the safety of the situation.
A peephole is a far better option. These holes allow you to leave your door closed and secure until you can confirm it’s safe to open.
Make sure you choose a peephole with a wide viewing angle and a privacy cover on the inside lens. These features help prevent anyone from peeping back in at YOU.
Now, adding a peephole does require drilling through the door. So double-check your placement before you drill. OR hire someone to install it IF you don’t have the skills or tools to DIY.
This concern is even more critical if the door metal (which is more complex vs. wood)!
They can alert you via text message or smartphone app to movement outside your door. And even record videos and images of anyone (or anything) approaching.
Now, there are options to install these units without wiring. But the best method is to tie them to existing low-voltage doorbell systems.
That way, both the video doorbell and app will ring anytime someone presses the button.
Why? Because previous residents likely made several sets of spare keys in the past. And leaving the original lock means they could stroll back in anytime they please.
And rekeying is less expensive than replacing the locks.
One convenient way to rekey is to buy a rekeying kit.
This kit allows you to rekey all your locks to one, pre-cut key. It includes 3 pre-cut keys, pins, special tools, and simple-to-follow instructions.
Re-keying your locks is easy with this kit – even a novice can complete the DIY task.
Rekeying kits require the original key to lock being rekeyed as part of the re-keying process.
Why? Because the tapered latch on a standard doorknob lock is quite easy to defeat.
A thieve can easily bypass these standard doorknobs. They can either shim the door or spread the door frame with a hydraulic jack.
But a properly installed deadbolt extends at least an inch into the latch plate. And door frames are usually less vulnerable to the same “force-based attacks – especially if it’s a reinforced door frame.
If you want to DIY a new deadbolt, there are lock install tools that can help align the holes. But for most, it’s best left to an experienced locksmith.
An electronic keyless lock allows you to lock or unlock your door from anywhere via your phone.
You can even set temporary keypad codes to allow guests access for a limited time.
They’re a simple drop-in replacement for many existing deadbolts or locksets. But if you plan on installing an electronic lock from scratch, consider using a locksmith.
So far, we’ve primarily focused on reinforcing standard entryway doors. But it’s important to remember that garage doors can also be a natural entry point for a burglar.
Older garage doors can be vulnerable to many of the same attacks that plague entryway doors.
To prevent garage break-ins (or worse, if you have an attached garage), here are a few more tips:
Most thieves prefer to work in the cover of darkness.
Keeping landscaping away from the doors doesn’t leave anywhere to hide.
It forces them out in the open while trying to scope out or break into your garage or shed.
If you’re working in the garage, it’s tempting to leave the doors open for a breeze.
Unfortunately, that also gives passers-by a chance to see what you have. OR to grab and run when if you’re not around.
Try to keep the doors closed, even if you’ll be right back out to work.
Like entryway doors, garage doors come in several levels of quality – each having a different resistance to break-ins.
Go for an insulated roll-up metal door, and be sure to lock it when you are away for a while.
So you have zero excuses to leave it open for long periods.
It also provides a solid block against anyone rolling the door up. Electric garage door openers also use a lift mechanism that resists manual motion.
Modern garage door openers can also connect to smartphone apps. These allow you can alert you to an open door and will enable you to close it remotely.
And they also allow lockdown after use to prevent a guest from coming back with an outdated access code.
We don’t always think of the door as a high-security line of defense. But it’s the only thing standing between our house and an intruder.
A secure and reinforced door can deter interest and resist attacks. They’re an excellent investment because they keep your family and belongings safe.
With such a wide range of security upgrades, the best approach is a multi-layered one.
You can always add security as you feel the need, but it’s hard to do so after a home invasion, so don’t delay!
P.s. Do you know where the closest nuclear bunker is from your home?
There are a lot of natural nuclear shelters in the US that are absolutely free. And one of them is near your home.
Click here to see the Closest Natural Nuclear Bunker to Your Home?
Click on the image above to find out where you need to take shelter.
The post How To Reinforce A Door And Best Door Reinforcement Kits appeared first on Skilled Survival.
To say that I am picky when it comes to knives, is a gross understatement. This is especially true for knives of a more tactical …
Read moreGerber Remix Tactical Knife Review: Hands-On
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Having a survival kit in a personal vehicle is something that is often overlooked. Given how technologically connected we are, even in our vehicles, I …
Read moreCar Survival Kit Guide: Design, and 15 Types of Gear
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During uncertain times, it’s important to be self-sufficient. One of the ways to do that is to have your own food supply through raising your own free range chickens. So, how do you start?
Homesteading is regaining popularity as Americans seek independence from reliance on the government and on supply chains that can be easily interrupted. With the economy, our freedoms, and our way of life under attack, self-sufficiency is a priority again.
As a first step towards backyard farming, people are turning to chickens, thanks to their easy upkeep and frequent egg-laying. Chickens are less expensive to maintain and need less space and care than other livestock. Their eggs are also harvested without any discomfort caused to them.
Even a dozen chickens can produce more eggs than a family knows what to do with! Selling eggs can pay for the chicken feed you need, especially if you are raising free-range chickens.
“Free range” is a buzzword these days, as marketers tug at the heartstrings of consumers who are concerned about the living conditions of chickens.
Unfortunately, on a commercial level, the term “free range” only means that the chickens have access to an outdoor space. That space could be 2’ wide and covered in gravel, and it would still qualify as “free range” for packaging purposes.
But for the average farmer and the novice chicken owner, “free range” means letting their chickens roam – over several acres or even miles. Your flock may not even stray as far as you let them, but the freedom to walk, eat, hunt, and dust at their leisure will result in healthier chickens and better eggs.
There are several reasons that you will still want a coop for your chickens, even if you let them out each morning.
If you live in a climate that gets cold in the winter, the coop can help provide warmth, especially if you choose to use a heat lamp. In the summer, it can help provide shade.
The coop provides shelter from predators like hawks, foxes, raccoons, coyotes, opossums, and weasels. Chickens can still become prey during daylight hours, but the dangers at night are much more significant.
Chickens can lay eggs in any number of places, not all of which are convenient or known to you. Having a chicken coop where you place wooden or plastic eggs indicates to the chickens where to lay their eggs and can save you a lot of searching.
Chickens will make a mess in more ways than one. They will eat plants and flowers, peck and dig holes, and also poop all over the space you give them. Keep this in mind when you designate space for your chickens, especially if you have invested heavily in your yard or landscaping.
Just like any other animal, chickens can be trained. If you lock them in the coop at night, call them in with some feed from the same bucket every evening. They will come running and you can safely close them up for the evening.
Be consistent with when you let them out in the morning. Chickens that are used to roaming and are unable to do so can get LOUD.
Allowing your chickens to roam freely has many benefits, both in their care and their health. You will be able to save money on feed and grit as they find their own. (Grit is how chickens break down their food since they don’t have teeth.)
Chickens eat all sorts of bugs and slugs, and even the occasional rodent and snake, which can help with pest control around the yard.
Free-range chickens are in much better physical health than their cage-kept counterparts and are unlikely to be overweight. They are also happier and stay entertained by all of the hunting and pecking they do.
The diet of a free-range chicken is full of protein, which produces more, and better quality eggs, as well as extending the lives of your chickens.
When it comes time to choose your chicken breeds, there are several questions to ask yourself:
There are actually dozens of breeds of chickens, so be sure to do your research and choose the chickens that best meet your needs.
Have you tried raising free range chickens? We’d love to hear about your experience in the comments section!
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