Water (continued) My Tried and Tested Methods

 

These  are  methods  that  I  have  tried  and tested in  my  own  home. They work  for me. Look over them and see if  they  are  a viable resourced for  you and your  family. Only you know your  circumstance, family needs  and  your shelter.  Space, comfort  and  surroundings are very  important.  Do your research don’t  just take my  word  for it.   Your  knowledge  and the  skills  you  acquire are  more  valuable  than  any  amount of  prep  work  you  can  do  for  any  disaster scenario!

Rainwater
Rain Catchment  System
Now  if  you  have  property then  the smartest  thing to do is  to have a  rain  catchment  system.  This  way  you  can  always  have a  viable way  to  capture  water  when it  rains  and  you  do not have to  go very  far to  replenish  your  supply.   It can  be as  simple  as  purchasing  some inexpensive  plastic  trash  cans  with  lids that  you  can  line  with untreated plastic  bags .  Placed under a  downspout  from your  gutters.  Or  all  along the  length of  your  roof right  under the  overhang  where  water  collects  the most.  This  is  generally  at  corners or  where there  is a joint such as occurs in  split  level  homes.  They  can  be  placed  behind  bushes so they  are  not easily  seen.  That  way   you  avoid neighbors  complaining.  I  use  this  method  to  collect water  for  my  garden.  Twelve- 30 gallon containers and  I  always have  in  excess of 360 gallons  of  water  that  can  be  used.  If  I  needed  to use it  for drinking  all I  would need to  do is  filter  and  sterilize and  I would  have all the  water  I  needed for  as long  as it  rained.
If  you  have  to  leave your location  for  water  reason then it  would  be  best  to have a large  tarp.  No  matter where  you  go  that  tarp  can  be  set  out to  catch  rain  water  for you.  Most  o the  time it is best  to  dig a  hole and  place a container ( as  big  as  you  want  it to be anywhere  from a  5  gallon  bucket  to a  30 gallon container.  The choice  is  yours).  A  hole  is  made in the  center of  the  tarp and that hole is  placed  over  the container.  Making  sure  all  4 sides are  elevated enough  to  create a  slant  so the  water   will run  towards  the  hole naturally.  If  you  are  unable  to  dig a  hole  to place the container  beneath the  tarp.  Then  you  must  find a  way  to fasten the  4  sides  of  the  tarp securely above the  container.  Same  as  before  the edges  must  be elevated  enough  above the  container  as  to  create  a slant significant  enough for the water  to  flow to the  center where the  hole is.  Make  sure that  the  tarp is  well  secured as in a  heavy  rain the  weight  of the  water  will surely pull it  loose.   
Hauling  Water  From  an Outside  Source

• Streams, rivers, and other moving bodies of water
• Ponds and lakes
•  Natural springs
• Rainwater

Not  having the  ability  to set up a  rain  catchment system  or being  faced  with  drought conditions  where there is  no  rain then one  must  consider other  sources.  Nearby  lakes,  rivers  or creeks that  one  can  use  5 gallon  buckets for  transport.  Using  a wheel barrel , cart, wagon or  any viable  means  of  transport that  would  make it  easier  to  haul  the  water back.
Fire  hydrants nearby that  can  be  opened  to  access  water.  Remembering that  if  the  grid is  down   pressure  will be  low  and  if  that   hydrant  happens  to  be on a lower elevation then  gravity  will be working  in  your  favor  and  the  water  will flow.
Making the  water  safe  to drink
There  are  many  ways to make  water  safe to drink.  You  can  boil it  and  then  filter it  to  kill  microbes and parasites that  would make  you  and  your family  ill.  You  can  buy  a  Berkey  filter  which  many   people  swear  by,  although  it is  quite  pricey.  Not to  mention  having to  purchase  extra  filter  components for  when  they  need  replacement.  After all,  no  filter can  be  used forever without replacement.  Unless you have a  bio  filter.
Sand Filter
You  can  use a  gallon  bucket   filled with  sand  to  filter  out all of  the  solids, so that the  water is  ready  for  disinfection.   This  will help  by removing  all solid  matter  and  clearing  up the  water  getting  it  ready  for  disinfection.  If you  are  unable to  boil the  water due to  lack of  fuel  then there  are  alternate solar  methods  that  can  .  be  employed  to achieve the  sterilization  process.  A solar  distiller is  easy to  make  and  it  utilizes  the  heat  from the  sun  to   distill the  water no matter  how   dirty  or  contaminated  it is, into safe drinking  water
Slow Sand Bio Filter
You  can also  build  a slow sand  bio filter.  Using a 30  gallon or  so  plastic  trash can, fill it ¾  of the  way  with  sand.  A hole is  drilled into the  bottom  of the  plastic  container  and a  spout inserted  and  sealed before the  sand is added.   Then the sand  filter  can be  connected to receiving cans where  you  can have  your filtered water for use.  Or install a  spigot  where you  can  turn it  on and  off and add water  as  you  need it to  be filtered Always  being conscientious to leave  water in the filter.  Allowing the filter  to sit  without water  would  kill the   anaerobic  beneficial  bacteria( as  they  need  to  be in  an  oxygen  deprived environment  to  survive or the  bio  filter  will  crash and  become  useless.  As they  take a bit of  time to  become  established.  You  will know  that  your  bio filter  is  established when you  see the  slime  build up at the  top of  the  sand.  Yes  I  know  that  is  gross and  it  sounds  disgusting,  however,  nature  has  it’s  secrets  and  this is  one of them.  The  same  process is used to  keep  the  water  in  fish  ponds  and aquariums  safe.
Biological water treatment involves the use of naturally occurring micro-organisms in the surface water to improve water quality. Under optimum conditions, including relatively low turbidity and high oxygen content (as occurs  with  rain water  run off  from let’s  say a  roof), the organisms break down material in the water and thus improve water quality. Slow sand filters or carbon filters are used to provide a place on which these micro-organisms grow. These biological treatment systems effectively reduce water-borne diseases, dissolved organic carbon, turbidity and color in surface water, improving overall water quality.  Once  the  colony  of  beneficial  bacteria  is established  it  will take  care of  the  most  of the organisms that  can  make you  sick.  Biological treatment has been used in Europe to filter surface water for drinking purposes since the early 1900s and is now receiving more interest worldwide.
Quick Water  Source for Immediate Storage
There are  many  ways  to  store  water inexpensively  without  having to purchase cases  of   bottled water. They  can all be  used to  hold ordinary  tap water.  Yes, tap water.  At the  risk  of  offending  the  health  advocates out there.  The  true  reality  is that  not  everyone is able  to  afford to  purchase many things.  So  in the  spirit  of  being  not  only  practical but  realistic we will deal  with that  fact  and  address it  accordingly.  The  alternative would be  not  having  enough  water  causing  dehydration,  unsanitary conditions and  possibly  death.  Tap water is  the   single most  inexpensive  source  of  water  you  have  access to.  Using  tap  water and  the items  I have  mentioned  can  save  you  not only  plenty  of  money  , but it  could mean the  difference between  life  and death in a  situation  where  there is  no water  readily  available.  Not to  mention  the  simple  fact  that  it  has already  been  chlorinated  and  treated so that  it is  safe  to  drink.  You  need  not  add  anything to it  ,  just  make  sure  that  the vessels  you  use  for the  water are sealed properly  to  avoid  contaminants  from  getting in.   Saves  you  time in having to  go out  and  look  for  it  not to mention the fuel and  time you  would have to  put into disinfecting it to make it safe to  drink  and  use  for personal  hygiene.

***  I  would like to add here  that when water  is collected for  boiling disinfection it  is best  to  make  sure  you  have  stocked up on  paper  coffee  filters .  They  are  excellent  for  filtering out  the  larger  particles.

****  Throughout  this  blog  I  will be  presenting  diagram  and  schematics for DIY projects on  survival and green items that  will come in  handy.  Not  only  when the  grid  goes  down  but to save  money  as  well as energy.

See ya soon     …………………

The FDA Says You Have No Right to Freedom of Food

 

As I  find  myself  gathering  information  to  share  with  all of  you  on  preparing  for any disaster  that may  come to pass.  Preparing  and storing  food and  supplies  needed  for  our   well being  and  that of  our  families.  It  seems a bit  ironic  that  I  have  stumbled onto  an  article  that deals with  the  FDA their  power over  our  food  supply  and  their ideas  as  to  where  their power  and our   rights  meet.  Giving the  very  nature  of  our gathering  supplies  for our  survival a possibly deeper  dimension.

It  seems  to  me that with all the  frightening  information that  has  come  forward in the  past  few  years  on our food  supply.  The  FDA  has  not  done a  very  convincing  job  at  keeping  out  food  supply  safe.  They  have  approved , Sucrolose, GMO crops as  well as  GMO Salmon.  Fluoride, heavy  metals and chlorine in  our  water.   All of  these poisons  have been  allowed into  our  food and water  supply.  Gum, candy, drinks,  even flavored  waters are polluted with  Aspartame  or  Sucrolose (  sometimes  both).  Formaldehyde  as  a preservative,  wood pulp as  a  filler.  So  many more  items that  you  could  not  imagine  is allowed  into  our  food  and  out  water and  deemed  safe!
In  this  article they  go  over the  idea  that the  FDA  has  states that we  do not have the  right  to choose  our  food,  because it is  not   a fundamental  right!  Now call me  crazy  but who has the  right  to  choose  the  foo  that is  consumed  by  my children?  Surely  not  an  agency that agrees  that  labeling  GMO ingredients  would  only serve to  confuse the  consumer.  Labels do not  serve  to  confuse  they  serve  to educate and  inform the  public. Something  the  corporate  bought   bureaucrats  don not  want.  An uninformed  pubic  is  easier  to  manipulate.

Our rights  are  being   eroded by  corporate special interests.  The  top positions in the  FDA  are  held  by people   who have  held  key  positions in  Monsanto.  Who  do  you think they  will  choose  when  the moment   comes  to  approve   chemical  nor  additive  to be  incorporated  into  our   food  supply?  The  public or the corporations that  put  thousands  of  dollars in their pockets?  It  is truly  sham that  is  being  perpetrated  in  the name  of the greater  good.

My  question  is …………..The  Greater Good  For  Whom???
America is not yet a dictatorship. The FDA in assuming dictatorial powers identifying  itself as a terrorist organization and needs to be stopped!

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Here  is  the  article  posted  on   Gaia Health – Information for  the  welfare  of  you  and your  children

http://gaia-health.com/articles201/000250-the-fda-says-you-have-no-right-to-freedom-of-food.shtml

The FDA Says You Have No Right to Freedom of Food

by Heidi Stevenson

30 May 2010
You thought you had the right to choose what you eat? The FDA says you don’t. They claim that there is no fundamental right to choose your food or freedom to contract for it. Responding to a Farm-to-Consumer Legal Defense Fund lawsuit, the FDA clearly states that you do not have the right to freedom of choice in your diet.

Farm-to-Consumer Legal Defense Fund (FTCLDF) Lawsuit Against the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

The FTCLDF is a 501(c)(4) organization, which means that it exists to promote the social welfare of its members and community. They define their reason for being in one sentence:

Sustainable farming and direct farm-to-consumer transactions further the common good and general welfare of all Americans.

Their Mission Statement says, in whole:

The Farm-to-Consumer Legal Defense Fund is a 501 (c) (4) non-profit organization made up of farmers and consumers joining together and pooling resources to:

• Protect the constitutional right of the nation’s family farms to provide processed and unprocessed farm foods directly to consumers through any legal means.
• Protect the constitutional right of consumers to obtain unprocessed and processed farm foods directly from family farms.
• Protect the nation’s family farms from harassment by federal, state, and local government interference with food production and on-farm food processing.

On behalf of its members and for all family farms in the US, the FTCLDF filed a lawsuit against the FDA, claiming “that the federal regulations (21 CFR 1240.61 and 21 CFR 131.110) banning raw milk for human consumption in interstate commerce are unconstitutional and outside of FDA’s statutory authority as applied to FTCLDF’s members and the named individual plaintiffs in the suit.”
The FDA responded by claiming a number of things, including the absurd idea that the FTCLDF has no standing to file the case! That is, they’re claiming that the organization that represents the people who have been harmed by the FDA’s actions does not actually represent them. They claim that no harm has been shown, in spite of the fact that the FDA’s actions have prevented farmers from producing and selling raw milk and their customers have lost the ability to obtain it.

The FDA’s Response and Claims

The FDA makes several statements in response to the lawsuit. The implications for personal freedoms are frightening.

No Fundamental Right to Raw Milk

The FDA claims that “…plaintiffs’ assertion of a new ‘fundamental right’ under substantive due process to produce, obtain, and consume unpasteurized milk lacks any support in law.” This implies that no rights exist unless they have been specifically granted. This concept runs completely counter to the basic concepts of the nation. The Declaration of Independence states:

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. That to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed.

A basic notion in the founding of the nation is that rights do not have to be delineated. The rights identified in the Declaration of Independence clearly stated that they are merely “among” the obvious rights of people. How could anyone suggest that obtaining one’s food of choice is not an inherent right?

FDA Has the Right to Set the Rules for How They May Be Controlled

The FDA claims that, before filing a lawsuit, the FTCLDF should have filed a petition with the FDA. In other words, they’re claiming that they have the right to set the rules by which they may be accessed and controlled. If the FDA has such a right, then it is unaccountable to the people.

No Historical Tradition of Access to Food of Choice

The FDA states that “there is no ‘deeply rooted’ historical tradition of unfettered access to food of all kinds.” This implies that one does not have the right to a vegetable garden containing one’s choice of foods, or that choosing organic over petroleum-based fertilizer is not a right, or that one has no right to choose to eat a vegetarian diet.

“There is No Generalized Right to Bodily and Physical Health.”

This title quotes the title of a section of the FDA’s response to the lawsuit. If that doesn’t terrify you, then nothing can. The FDA is, literally, claiming that they have the right to take a person’s health if it suits them. The section uses specious logic, claiming that there is no right to bodily and physical health because, according to them, there is no right to food choice, which is a claim that only the FDA could make.
It’s interesting that the FDA is implicitly acknowledging that there is a connection between food and health, though they deny that one has a right to either freedom of food or pursuance of bodily and physical health.

“There is No Fundamental Right to Freedom of Contract.”

Another section of the FDA’s response is the above title claiming that individuals do not have the right to engage in contracts as they choose. This flies in the face of the basic right implied in the Constitution and strengthened by the 5^th and 14^th amendments. Limitations have been placed when contractual rights conflict with personal rights.
However, the inherent right to freedom of contract has not been abrogated, in spite of the FDA’s claims. Their reference to it as “anachronistic” says more about the FDA’s attitude towards the people than it does about the intent of the law.

“FDA’s Regulations Rationally Advance the Agency’s Public Health Mission.”

This statement by the FDA—again, the title of a section of its response—is made without a shred of documentation in support. It is nothing more than a self-congratulatory statement of opinion, one that a large section of the American public does not accept. Indeed, the illogic and arrogance of the FDA’s entire response to the FTCLDF lawsuit tends to deny their claim to rationality.

The FDA’s Logic

The logic the FDA is using seems to be: If it isn’t specifically named in the Constitution, then there is no such right. The absurdity of that logic is revealed by suggesting that you don’t have the right to breathe because it wasn’t specifically granted by the Constitution.
What could be more basic to life and the right to live than the right to eat as we wish and obtain the food we wish to eat? We have the right to free speech and assembly. In light of that, how can the FDA claim that we don’t, by definition, have the right to eat what we choose?
Could the Founding Fathers have possibly envisioned a government that would infringe on an individual’s right to choice in food?
Nonetheless, we need to understand that, in one sense, the FDA is right. Unless we act to stop their intrusions into our rights, then their claims will, effectively, become law. They’ve almost accomplished it now. Consider that the FDA’s claim that you have no right to choose what you eat isn’t front page news. The battle is almost lost already. It’s time…no, it’s past time to take action.

“But I Don’t Believe in Raw Milk”

Some readers may believe that pasteurized milk is better. That’s your right. However, does that give the FDA the right to enforce pasteurized milk on everyone? At what point will the FDA be infringing on your rights to food and health?
Many people have found that switching to raw milk has improved, and even cured, serious health problems. In light of the fact that the FDA has stated that you have no right to health, at what point will something you require be made illegal or difficult to obtain? Do you find that taking Vitamin C helps prevent colds? Are you aware that the FDA is planning to infringe on your right to take it? What about Vitamin D? Many people are finding that it improves their health, yet the FDA disagrees and wants to regulate it.
Do you want the right to eat organic food? That may be abridged, too, as the FDA is grabbing the right to define what organic means. What about genetically modified foods? Studies are showing that they cause tremendous harm, yet the FDA doesn’t even want you to know when foods have been created through GM processes.
The list can go on. If you’ve found that a certain food provides a particular health benefit, but someone has made a health claim for it, did you know that you can be denied access to it—simply because of that health claim?
This is not about raw milk. This is about your right to pursue health and the food of your choice. Please, don’t ignore this plea. Whatever your views on any particular food, it should be self-evident that each person should have the right to obtain it. The FDA’s intrusions on our lives are egregious, fundamentally evil, and outrageous. Please, take action now! There truly is no time to waste.

Take Action!

You can start by going to the Farm-to-Consumer Legal Defense Fund’s action pages:

• Help Congressman Ron Paul’s bid to overturn the federal ban on raw milk, HR 778. He needs cosponsors. Please go to FTCLDF’s Help HR 778 Get Co-Sponsors to End Raw Milk Ban page and follow instructions sign a petition on the subject.
• Help defeat HR 2749, which would give the FDA even more power and put small family farmers out of business. You can simply sign the petition, or add a message to make it more personal and powerful. Your representative will get the message.

Then, start writing to your representatives in Congress, including your rep in the House and your senator. Write to the president. Then, write to your local state representatives. They’re under pressure from the federal government to go along with these abridgements of our rights.
We, the People, can stop this encroachment of our rights—but only if you speak out, starting now!

 

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Rain  Barrels  will be  a valuable source  of  water both  for  conservation/sustainability and  for  survival if the  need  arises.  I have  had  a series of  rain barrels that  I have  collected. A  total of  12 – 30 gallon  containers that  will collect up to  360 gallons of  water in a  good   downpour.  As long  as it  rains I  will have  plenty of  water to  purify  for  drinking , bathing and  cooking  needs.  Using t he  greywater recovery  technique  I  will also have  plenty of  water  for  my  garden.  It’s a  win/win  situation.
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Harvesting Rainwater: How to Make a Rain Barrel

From harvesting rainwater in a rain barrel to composting your kitchen and yard waste in a compost bin, you can greatly increase your self-reliance by undertaking a few simple DIY projects.

By Betsy Matheson
May 12, 2011

 

Rainwater that is collected in a rain barrel before it hits the ground is free of many contaminants that water picks up as it filters through soil. This soft, warm (and free) water is perfect for plants, lawns, and many other outdoor applications. DIY Projects for the Self-Sufficient Homeowner provides a step-by-step plan to help you build a rain barrel, as well as many other DIY projects to increase your self-reliance.

COVER: CREATIVE PUBLISHING INTERNATIONAL

The following is an excerpt from DIY Projects for the Self-Sufficient Homeowner by Betsy Matheson (Creative Publishing International, 2011). This handy book is your first step toward participating in the fast-growing self-sufficiency movement. Even if you live on a small urban lot, you can take steps to gain a little more control over things you consume using the plans in this book. This excerpt is from Chapter 1, “Collecting Rainwater.”

Practically everything around your house that requires water loves the natural goodness that’s provided with soft rainwater. When you know how to make a rain barrel, you can begin harvesting rainwater to irrigate your garden or lawn, water your houseplants, or top off swimming pools and hot tubs. A ready supply of rainwater is also a reliable stand-by for emergency use if your primary water supply is interrupted.
Collecting rainwater runoff in rain barrels can save thousands of gallons of tap water each year. A typical 40-by- 40-foot roof is capable of collecting 1,000 gallons of water from only one inch of rain. A large rainwater collection system that squeezes every drop from your roof can provide most — or sometimes all — of the water used throughout the home, if it’s combined with large cisterns, pumps, and purification processing.
Sprinkling your lawn and garden can consume as much as 40 percent of the total household water use during the growing season. A simple rain barrel system that limits collected water to outdoor (nonpotable) use only, like the rain barrels described on the following pages, can have a big impact on the self-sufficiency of your home, helping you save on utility expenses and reducing the energy used to process and purify water for your lawn and garden. Some communities now offer subsidies for rain barrel use, offering free or reduced-price barrels and downspout connection kits. Check with your local water authority for more information. Get smart with your water usage, and take advantage of the abundant supply from above.

Rain Barrels

Rain barrels, either built from scratch or purchased as a kit, are a great way to irrigate a lawn or garden without running up your utilities bill. The most common systems include one or more rain barrels (40 to 80 gallons) positioned below gutter downspouts to collect water runoff from the roof. A hose or drip irrigation line can be connected to spigot valves at the bottom of the rain barrel. You can use a single barrel, or connect several rain barrels in series to collect and dispense even more rainwater.

Plastic rain barrel kits are available for purchase at many home centers for around $100. If kit prices aren’t for you, a rain barrel is easy to make yourself for a fraction of the price. The most important component to your homemade barrel is the drum you choose.

Obtaining a Rain Barrel

Practically any large waterproof container can be used to make a rain barrel. One easily obtained candidate is a trash can, preferably plastic, with a snap-on lid. A standard 32-gallon can will work for a rain barrel, but if you can find a 44-gallon can choose it instead. Although wood barrels are becoming more scarce, you can still get them from wineries. A used 55-gallon barrel can be obtained free or for a small charge from a bulk food supplier. Most 55-gallon barrels today are plastic, but some metal barrels are still floating around. Whatever the material, make sure the barrel did not contain any chemical or compound that could be harmful to plants, animals, or humans. If you don’t know what was in it, don’t use it. Choose a barrel made out of opaque material that lets as little light through as possible, reducing the risk of algae growth.
A barrelful of water is an appealing breeding ground for mosquitoes and a perfect incubator for algae. Filters and screens over the barrel opening should prevent insect infestation, but for added protection against mosquitoes add one tablespoon of vegetable oil to the water in the barrel. This coats the top surface of the stored water and deprives the larvae of oxygen.

How to Make a Rain Barrel

Tools and Materials

• Barrel or trash can
• Drill with spade bit
• Jigsaw
• Hole saw
• Barb fitting with nut for overflow hose
• 1 1/2″ sump drain hose for overflow
• 3⁄4″ hose bibb or sillcock
• 3⁄4″ male pipe coupling
• 3⁄4″ bushing or bulkhead connector
• Channel-type pliers
• Fiberglass window screening
• Cargo strap with ratchet
• Teflon tape
• Silicone caulk

1. Cut a large opening in the barrel top or lid. Mark the size and shape of your opening — if using a bulk food barrel, mark a large semi-circle in the top of the barrel. If using a plastic garbage can with a lid, mark a 12-inch diameter circle in the center of the lid. Drill a starter hole, and then cut out the shape with a jigsaw (see Image Gallery).
2. Install the overflow hose. Drill a hole near the top of the barrel for the overflow fitting. Thread the barb fitting into the hole and secure it to the barrel on the inside with the retainer nut and rubber washer (if provided). Slide the overflow hose into the barbed end of the barb elbow until the end of the hose seats against the elbow flange (see Image Gallery).
3. Drill the access hole for the spigot (either a hose bibb or sillcock, brass or PVC). Tighten the stem of the sillcock onto a threaded coupling inserted into the access hole. Inside the barrel, a rubber washer is slipped onto the coupling end and then a threaded bushing is tightened over the coupling to create a seal. Apply a strip of Teflon tape to all threaded parts before making each connection. Caulk around the spigot with clear silicone caulk.
4. Screen over the opening in the top of the barrel. Lay a piece of fiberglass insect mesh over the top of the trash can and secure it around the rim with a cargo strap or bungee cord that can be drawn drum-tight. Snap the trash can lid over the top. Once you have installed the rain barrel, periodically remove and clean the mesh.

How to Install a Rain Barrel

Whether you purchase a rain barrel or make your own from scratch or a kit, how well it meets your needs will depend on where you put it and how it is set up (see Image Gallery). Some rain barrels are temporary holding tanks that store water runoff just long enough to direct it into your yard through a hose and drip irrigation head. Other rain barrels are more of a reservoir that supplies water on-demand by filling up watering cans or buckets. If you plan to use the spigot as the primary means for dispensing water, you’ll want to position the rain barrel well off the ground for easy access (raising your rain barrel has no effect on water pressure).
In addition to height, other issues surrounding the placement of your rain barrel (or rain barrels) include the need to provide a good base, orientation of the spigot and overflow, the position relative to your downspouts, and how to link more than one rain barrel together. Tip: Wherever possible, locate your rain barrel in a shaded area. Sunlight encourages algae growth, especially in barrels that are partially translucent.
Tools and Materials

• Drill/driver
• Screwdriver
• Hack saw
• Rain barrel
• Hose & fittings
• Base material (pavers)
• Downspout adapter and extension
• Teflon tape

1. Select a location for the barrel under a downspout. Locate your barrel as close to the area you want to irrigate as possible. Make sure the barrel has a stable, level base.
2. Install the spigot. Some kits may include a second spigot for filling watering cans. Use Teflon tape at all threaded fittings to ensure a tight seal. Connect the overflow tube, and make sure it is pointed away from the foundation.
3. Cut the downspout to length with a hacksaw. Reconnect the elbow fitting to the downspout using sheet-metal screws. Attach the cover to the top of the rain barrel. Some systems include a cover with porous wire mesh, to which the downspout delivers water. Others include a cover with a sealed connection (next step).
4. Link the downspout elbow to the rain barrel with a length of flexible downspout extension attached to the elbow and the barrel cover.
Variation: If your barrel comes with a downspout adapter, cut away a segment of downspout and insert the adapter so it diverts water into the barrel.
5. Connect a drip irrigation tube or garden hose to the spigot. A Y-fitting will let you feed the drip irrigation system through a garden hose when the rain barrel is empty.
6. If you want, increase water storage by connecting two or more rain barrels together with a linking kit, available from many kit suppliers.

Reprinted with permission from DIY Projects for the Self-Sufficient Homeowner, published by Creative Publishing International, 2011.

Read more: http://www.motherearthnews.com/do-it-yourself/how-to-make-a-rain-barrel-ze0z11zkon.aspx?page=4#ixzz1huHxkrjR

Water

Water is  very  important to  survival.  It  is necessary for hydration,  for  hygiene,  for sanitation ; keeping us  safe from illness.  Water is of very important to all living things; in some organisms, up to 90% of their body weight comes from water. Up to 60% of the human body is water, the brain is composed of 70% water, and the lungs are nearly 90% water. Lean muscle tissue contains about 75% water by weight, as is the brain; body fat contains 10% water and bone has 22% water. About 83% of our blood is water, which helps digest our food, transport waste, and control body temperature. Each day humans must replace 2.4 litres of water, some through drinking and the rest taken by the body from the foods eaten.
A  human  being can  survive anywhere  from  2  to 10 days  depending on the  temperature.  The  higher  the  temperature  the  shorter to  survival time.  Although, no matter  what the  temperature the  human  body  requires  the  same amount  of water  to  stay  healthy regardless of  how  hot or  how  cold  it is.  The  reason  is  simply that the  body  requires it  to remove  toxins and  to regulate  body  temperature.
The  American  Red Cross  says :
After an emergency, such as a flood, hurricane, or earthquake, drinking water may not be available or safe to drink. As a result, you may have to find a source of safe drinking water or know how to treat your water for use in certain activities, such as drinking, making ice, washing hands, and brushing teeth. The following information will tell you how to plan for treating and storing your water in the event of an emergency.

Prepare an Emergency Water Supply

• Store at least 1 gallon of water per day for each person and each pet. You should consider storing more water than this for hot climates, for pregnant women, and for persons who are sick.
• Store at least a 3-day supply of water for each person and each pet (try to store a 2-week supply if possible).
• Observe the expiration date for store-bought water; replace other stored water every six months.
• Store a bottle of unscented liquid household chlorine bleach to disinfect your water and to use for general cleaning and sanitizing.

Water Containers (Cleaning and Storage)

Unopened commercially bottled water is the safest and most reliable emergency water supply.
Use of food-grade water storage containers, such as those found at surplus or camping supply stores, is recommended if you prepare stored water yourself.
Before filling with safe water, use these steps to clean and sanitize storage containers:

1. Wash the storage container with dishwashing soap and water and rinse completely with clean water.
2. Sanitize the container by adding a solution made by mixing 1 teaspoon of unscented liquid household chlorine bleach in one quart of water.
3. Cover the container and shake it well so that the sanitizing bleach solution touches all inside surfaces of the container.
4. Wait at least 30 seconds and then pour the sanitizing solution out of the container.
5. Let the empty sanitized container air-dry before use OR rinse the empty container with clean, safe water that already is available.

Avoid using the following containers to store safe water:

• Containers that cannot be sealed tightly
• Containers that can break, such as glass bottles
• Containers that have ever been used for any toxic solid or liquid chemicals (includes old bleach containers)
• Plastic or cardboard bottles, jugs, and containers used for milk or fruit juices

For proper water storage,

• Label container as “drinking water” and include storage date.
• Replace stored water that is not commercially bottled every six months.
• Keep stored water in a place with a fairly constant cool temperature.
• Do not store water containers in direct sunlight.
• Do not store water containers in areas where toxic substances such as gasoline or pesticides are present.

Make Water Safe

Water often can be made safe to drink by boiling, adding disinfectants, or filtering.
IMPORTANT: Water contaminated with fuel or toxic chemicals will not be made safe by boiling or disinfection. Use a different source of water if you know or suspect that water might be contaminated with fuel or toxic chemicals.

Boiling

If you don’t have safe bottled water, you should boil water to make it safe. Boiling is the surest method to make water safer to drink by killing disease-causing organisms, including viruses, bacteria, and parasites.
You can improve the flat taste of boiled water by pouring it from one container to another and then allowing it to stand for a few hours, OR by adding a pinch of salt for each quart or liter of boiled water.
If the water is cloudy,

• Filter it through a clean cloth, paper towel, or coffee filter OR allow it to settle.
• Draw off the clear water.
• Bring the clear water to a rolling boil for one minute (at elevations above 6,500 feet, boil for three minutes).
• Let the boiled water cool.
• Store the boiled water in clean sanitized containers with tight covers.

If the water is clear,

• Bring the clear water to a rolling boil for one minute (at elevations above 6,500 feet, boil for three minutes).
• Let the boiled water cool.
• Store the boiled water in clean sanitized containers with tight covers.

Disinfectants

If you don’t have safe bottled water and if boiling is not possible, you often can make water safer to drink by using a disinfectant such as unscented household chlorine bleach or iodine. These can kill most harmful organisms, such as viruses and bacteria, but are not as effective in controlling more resistant organisms such as the parasites Cryptosporidium and Giardia.
To disinfect water,
Filter it through a clean cloth, paper towel, or coffee filter OR allow it to settle.
Draw off the clear water.
To use bleach, add 1/8 teaspoon (or 8 drops; about 0.625 milliliters) of unscented liquid household chlorine (5-6%) bleach for each gallon of clear water (or 2 drops of bleach for each liter or each quart of water),
Stir the mixture well.
Let it stand for 30 minutes or longer before you use it.
Store the disinfected water in clean sanitized containers with tight covers.
To use iodine, follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Chlorine dioxide tablets are another disinfectant that now is available in some outdoor stores. This disinfectant has proven to be effective against pathogens, including Cryptosporidium, if the manufacturer’s instructions are followed.

Filters

Many portable water filters can remove disease-causing parasites such as Cryptosporidium and  Giardia from drinking water. If you are choosing a portable water filter, try to pick one that has a filter pore size small enough to remove both bacteria and parasites. Most portable water filters do not remove viruses.
Carefully read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the water filter you intent to use. After filtering, add a disinfectant such as iodine, chlorine, or chlorine dioxide to the filtered water to kill any viruses and remaining bacteria.

Finding Emergency Water Sources

Alternative sources of clean water can be found inside and outside the home. DO NOT DRINK water that has an unusual odor or color, or that you know or suspect might be contaminated with fuel or toxic chemicals; use a different source of water.
The following are possible sources of water:

Inside the Home

• Water from your home’s water heater tank
• Melted ice cubes made with water that was not contaminated
• Water from your home’s toilet tank (not from the bowl), if it is clear and has not been chemically treated with toilet cleaners such as those that change the color of the water
• Liquid from canned fruit and vegetables

Listen to reports from local officials for advice on water precautions in your home. It may be necessary to shut off the main water valve to your home to prevent contaminants from entering your piping system.
Water from sources outside the home must be treated.  DO NOT DRINK water that has an unusual odor or color, or that you know or suspect might be contaminated with fuel or toxic chemicals; use a different source of water.
Water to be continued…………………

A wake up call for how we view the possibilities of violence during or after a disaster

We want to believe in the inherent goodness and decency in people. However, is it always within that persons control? Can we understand that sometimes inherently good and decent people can crack and do despicable things?

I stumbled across this BBC documentary that I found very interesting . I thought I would share it with all of you to put in perspective my warnings of security and self defense.

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Uploaded by CooDocu on Oct 27, 2011

What makes ordinary people commit extreme acts of violence?

In a thought-provoking and disturbing journey, Michael Portillo investigates one of the darker sides of human nature. He discovers what it is like to inflict pain and is driven to the edge of violence himself in an extreme sleep deprivation study.

He meets men for whom violence has become an addiction and ultimately discovers that each of us could be inherently more violent than we think, and watches a replication of one of the most controversial studies in history, the Milgram study. Will study participants be willing to administer a seemingly lethal electric shock to someone they think is an innocent bystander?

How Violent are You? - BBC Horizon

Something Wicked This Way Comes

Hello,  I have  noticed  that there  are  many  survivalist sites out there.  However, by the  same  token  I  have also  noticed that  many  people  are  put off by  them  because there is a  stigma  to  the   word  Prepper or  Survivalist.  I  think that  preparing  for  disasters, natural or  man  made is  of the  essence.  So I  would  like to  present  my ideas  in a  more  appealing  manner  for the  comfort of  those  who shy  away  from the  labels..
I  will be  presenting  a series of blogs  with  information  and  planning advice  that  could  very  well appeal to you.  Thereby, allowing  you  to see the  bigger  picture  about  what  could  very  well  be  coming down the pike, so  to  speak.
I  welcome all  constructive  feedback and  questions.  After all,  this is  about  our helping  each  other to  discover what  we  can  do to keep  ourselves  and our  loved  ones  safe.  Please  feel free to  ask .  All  legitimate  inquiries  will be  addressed to the  best  of my  abilities.
IF there  were a disaster in  your  area  tomorrow  would you  be  prepared  to  take care of  yourself and your family with the  skills and   supplies  you  presently  have in  your  home?
I do  not  by  any stretch of  the imagination  consider myself  an  alarmist , a doomsday-er, an  end of the  world-er or  any  other labels  there  may  exist  out  there  and I am  sure there  are  plenty.  What  I am  is a  single  mom  who lived  in Florida  for  25  years  and  am well acquainted  with  what  happens to  people   when they are  not  prepared  for a  disaster.  Now  you  would  think  that  in a  state that is  known for  hurricanes people  would understand that it is not  silly  to prepare before  hurricane  season is  upon  them.  We  were  without  electricity for  3  weeks  after  hurricane  Andrew, 2  weeks  after  hurricane  Katrina and  another 3 weeks after hurricane  Wilma.  On a limited  income ,  how well  do you think I  would have  been  able  to  feed  my family if I  had not prepared and had to  depend  on buying our food from restaurants kept running with  generators?
Another thing people fail  to understand is this: Hurricanes can be  predicted to a  certain  degree.  They  follow   tropical  storms until it  shows  signs of  strengthening, as  they  are  slow  moving time  is on our  side.  Even  their trajectory  can  be  planned  out  to a  certain  degree.  Their  estimated  arrival  can  also  be tracked.  Do you  really  believe a  tsunami, monster  tornado  or an  earthquake can  be tracked and  predicted  to  that  extent?  So  without  warning how much  time do you have  to prepare?  Do  you  believe these natural  disasters  can’t  disrupt  our  utilities and  transport  for longer than  3  weeks?  The  reality  of the  matter is  quite the contrary.  The  single  most  intelligent  thing that anyone  can do is  to  prepare.  When that  hurricane is  announced  and  it’s  arrival  date  is  made  public  then the  panic  sets  in;  When that  earthquake  hits or that  tornado has  passed.   People  rush  to the  supermarkets.  Those  who get there first will be able to  find  all they need.  However,  the ones  who  came a  bit  later or those  who did  not  prepare in advance will find  empty  shelves.  How much  advance  notice  does the public  receive  for an  earthquake, tornado or  tsunami?  You  see  where  I am  going  with this?  Did  you  know  that  all  supermarkets  across the  US   have about  of  3 to 4  days worth of  supplies on  location?  Without  transport  from  regional warehouses they  have only  what is  on the  shelves and in their  backroom storage.  Now  without water,  bread, batteries, canned  goods, etc. in the  supermarket what  will  you do?
No one  can  deny  that  we  are  headed  for  hard  times with the  economy the  way  it is.  It’s  not like  I  am  presenting  an unheard of  scenario.  How  many  have  lost  their  jobs and  ended  up  homeless?  How  many people  are  one paycheck away  from  ending  up on the  streets?  We  have all  read  about the  great  depression and I dare  say  we  all understand that  it  occurred  right  here  at  home and  not  some  far  off  land.  The  hardships, the  hunger, and the total despair of those  who lived  that  era of our  Nation’s  history.
As  our  society continues  on  the  road  of  development and  modernization technology progresses and the chains of interdependency become more ingrained  within us.  Our food,  our clothing all the  comforts  we use on a daily  basis  require transport   either  from  other  states  far  away  or  other  countries.   Through the  web  of globalization  we  have  gone  from a  country  of  production and  manufacture  to  one  of  consumption.  The  truth  is that  very  little  is now  made  here in the  US. Therefore it  stands  to reason  that if  something  happens  and  these modes  of  transport  are interrupted  for any  reason  so will the  availability  of  these  products.  This is  not  me  being  an  alarmist.  Quite the  contrary it  is  necessary  for  us  to be  realists and  see things  logically.  Think  about it .  Where  do  your  fruit ,  your  vegetables, your clothing ,  etc. come  from?  I   encourage  you  to  start  taking a  good  look at the  labels and  you  will see the  truth  of  my   words.  All it  would  take to  disrupt  the  transport  that  connects  us  to  our daily  essential  products  is an interruption in the  availability  of  fuel or the destruction of main  highways  and  streets.  Impossible you  say?  Look  around  you.  How many  freak  storms  and  weather  phenomenon  have  you  read  about  in the  newspaper  or  seen on the  news?  Hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, nuclear plant accidents, tsunamis not to mention  freak  waves.  Granted  many of these  monster  storms   and  earthquakes  have  occurred in other  countries.  Is  it  so  crazy  to  consider that it  could  also happen  here in the  US?  Starting to get the  picture?
Dealing  With Reality
Human Nature – What  are people capable of:  In  Florida during  the onset of  a hurricane  it could very  easily  be  seen  who the  dangerous people  would be  just  by the  way  they  would push  people  aside and  fight  with  someone for the last bottle  of  water on the shelf.  I know the  answer to this  question  but  I  would like to ask  you.  Do you  know  what  your  neighbor  is  capable of  when a devastating  panic  comes into play and there  is  no food  to be  had?  Just  take a look at  what happens  during a  Black Friday  Sale.  We have all seen the  videos, the  news paper  articles  or the tv/radio broadcasts of  people hurting  each  other  and  fighting  over  products  that  are  on sale and  they  just  have to  have.  Imagine what these people would be like in a  life  or  death  situation where there is no food  or  water  available.  Big  cities will be  worse due to the  high  concentration  of  people and the lack of  resources  once transport  is interrupted  for any  reason.
Be  Practical:  Understand the  risks  you  take  by  not  preparing  properly.  Take  measures  to  protect  yourself and  your  family.  Stock  up on  food  and supplies to make  sure  that  all are assured of food  water  and  first  aid when they need them.  Think  about  family  members  who have  not  prepared.  What  will happen  when  they have  no  food  or  water?  Will  you  be able to  share  what  you  have   to insure that they  too are taken  care of?  What  about  your neighbor  or that  little  old  lady  across the  street  who has  no one?  What  about if you  or  your significant  other  lose  your  job.  Do  you realize that having a  back up food  supply  could  help  tide  you  over  until  things  get  better?
Will you be  ready  to  defend  yourself  and your family?  Just  look  at  what  happens  during  a  black  out in  NYC  or a  riot  in  LA.  Learn  that  in  moments of  great  turmoil  some people  resort  to  violence.  It is a  proven  fact not my  own   wild imaginings.  Think about it.  Not  everyone is  willing to  go  out  and buy a  gun.  However,  safety and the protection of  your  family  is of  the  utmost  importance.  What  will you  do  in a  moment  such  as  this and  how  will you  protect them?  I  leave the  details  to  your  imagination  and  your  conscience.  As the  saying   goes, ”An ounce of  prevention is worth a  pound  of  cure.”   No  truer  words  have  ever been spoken.
Alone vs. a  group:  The  old  adage  says  clearly  that  there  is strength  in  numbers.   Effective security means having at least two families to provide security at all times.  This  can  include close  neighbors, family  and  friends.  However, one must  take into account that  for every individual added there  will be  another mouth to feed.  Effectively  adding  people  to  ones  group  calls  for adequate supplies and  resources.  The amounts having a  direct bearing on the  amount  of  people the  group can sustain.
The  enormity  of  getting a  family  prepared  can  be  overwhelming.  Take  a moment to ponder  the  fact  that  most  people  are not  even considering  the  need to prepare .  That already  puts  you  ahead  of the  curve.  Financial issues are  another  worry.  My recommendation is start out  slow.  Whenever you  go  shopping  buy a few  extra  items that  will be  designated  to the  food  supply. A  few cans  here  a  couple  of  bags  there  and  in a  few  weeks  you  will start  to see  your supply  grow.  One step at a  time  is  the  best  way  to  insure success.
Take  a good long  look at  your  pantry , be  totally  honest  with  yourself .  Will  you and  your family  survive  with  what  you  have  there if  you  are without a working infrastructure for  3  weeks or  more,  like  we  did  in  Florida  after hurricane Andrew?
Let’s  start by making  a practical list of the  essentials  we  will be needing in  case of an emergency such as  the ones  I  have  mentioned.  On my  next blog  I  will  be starting the  lists and the pertinent information I  have to  give  on  each   subject.
See you  next  time………