Traumatic Shock Treatment & Survival

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WARNING: This article is meant to be a quick overview and not a detailed guide on how to deal with shock in an emergency situation. Professional medical treatment should always be sought first before attempting any of these methods.

Shock has many different possible meanings. You could be shocked at the turn of events in a movie. You could be shocked by touching a live wire. You could be in shock after receiving news of the death of a loved one or due to trauma. For me, shock is a chilling term that portends poor outcomes despite our best medical efforts. Mortality can be 40 to 50 percent, despite the best medical care in the best hospitals. What will you do if your partner or family member has an accident or heart attack and goes into shock? Perhaps the most important part of treating shock is learning to identify it as soon as possible. The earlier the identification, the earlier the treatment can begin.

What is Shock?

First off, shock is essentially a lack of blood and oxygen supply to the tissues. The lack of these nutrients causes tissues and cells to starve. When this occurs, the tissues and organs lose function. The more organs that fail, the higher the mortality rate. The sooner the cells can restore their nutrients and function, the better the chance of survival.

The body has several mechanisms to attempt to compensate for the lack of tissue perfusion in order to minimize the damage to the cells. Although many organ systems are involved in the compensatory mechanisms, it’s the cardiovascular system that’s the foundation of the process. In order for the cardiovascular system to maintain its pressure in a closed loop, there has to be a pump (the heart), pipes (the blood vessels), and fluid (the blood). If there’s something wrong with any one of these components, then there’s a loss of pressure in the system. If that loss of pressure is severe, the tissues and organs won’t be nourished with the essential components that allow for proper function of the organs and our body.

Let’s look at this in a little more detail. The pressure in the system is controlled by the output of the pump (cardiac output) and the systemic vascular resistance (changes in vessel diameter or changes in blood viscosity). The cardiac output is determined by the heart rate and the stroke volume (how much blood is pumped out with each contraction of the heart). The equation is as follows:

  • Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP) = Cardiac Output (CO) x Systemic Vascular Resistance (SVR)
  • Cardiac Output = Heart Rate (HR) x Stroke Volume (SV)
  • Therefore, MAP = (HR x SV) x SVR

In order to raise the pressure in the system, we need to increase heart rate, increase stroke volume, or increase systemic vascular resistance (or some combination of the three). What often happens in an injury or disease is that one of these components falters and the other two attempt to compensate. This equation is paramount to understand what’s happening physiologically to someone in shock.

With that in mind, the symptoms of shock should make sense. Hypotension (low blood pressure) is prevalent. The person may experience extreme fatigue, dizziness when standing, or faintness. Low blood pressure causes the body to shunt blood away from less essential organs like the skin. The skin becomes pale and cold. In order to attempt to compensate for the low blood pressure, the heart rate increases. This pushes the blood faster around the system to utilize the remaining oxygen within the system. The respiratory rate increases to bring more oxygen into the system and to lessen the effects of increased acid buildup from lack of tissue perfusion. A person may become disoriented or confused due to lack of blood or oxygen to the brain.

Stages of Shock

The whole process can develop rapidly and has three stages to focus on. The first stage is the initial, or pre-shock, stage. This is the moment an injury occurs to the person. In an example of trauma, blood is being lost through a wound. This is essentially a decrease in the stroke volume from the equation above. This in turn decreases the cardiac output. The body will attempt to compensate by increasing the heart rate and increasing the systemic vascular resistance (via vasoconstriction). The latter mechanism attempts to control the bleeding and shunt blood away from less essential tissues.

In the second stage (compensatory stage), the body continues to minimize the damage being done. This stage is reversible (by acting quickly, there’s a good chance tissue and organs can be saved). The body activates the sympathetic nervous system due to the decreased cardiac output, and hormones such as epinephrine are released to increase the contractility of the heart. When the body fails to compensate, the progressive stage ensues. This is where the tissues suffer increased ischemic damage, and lactic acid builds up in the bloodstream. The further along this stage goes, the more likely it becomes irreversible and organs start to fail. Urine output drops initially as the body tries to retain all the volume it can. Later, urine production stops due to the death of cells in the kidney. The liver fails, which causes a disturbance in the coagulation cascade, and it’s easier to bleed. Death is imminent.

So, with the physiology of shock outlined above, let’s look at how that physiology is affected by various causes of shock. There are two different classifications of shock: differentiated and undifferentiated. Many times when someone is in shock, we say it’s undifferentiated because the patient exhibits signs of shock, but we may not know the exact cause. We start treatment protocols immediately because time is off the essence. When we do know what is causing the shock (differentiated shock), we break it into four general categories: distributive, cardiogenic, hypovolemic, and obstructive.

Distributive Shock

Referencing the aforementioned equation, distributive shock is where the systemic vascular resistance decreases, and blood vessels generally dilate. The body tries to compensate by increasing the heart rate. We further break distributive shock down into septic and non-septic causes. Sepsis is the effect of the body’s response to infection. Common sources of infection are urinary tract infections, pneumonia, and even skin infections. With treatment in the hospital setting, the mortality is roughly 40 percent. For non-septic causes of distributive shock, mortality depends on the initial insult.

There are four categories of non-septic distributive shock: inflammatory, neurogenic, anaphylactic, and “other.” The inflammatory portion could also be a component of sepsis, or could be associated with a severe burn, trauma, or heart attack. Neurogenic shock is usually due to a spinal cord injury or traumatic brain injury. The autonomic nervous system is altered, leading to decreased systemic vascular resistance and unopposed vagal tone.

Because of these changes, the distinguishing feature of neurogenic shock is usually a slow heart rate, which makes it difficult for the body to compensate. Anaphylactic shock can be caused by food allergies, environmental allergies, medication allergies, or idiopathic reasons.

Injectable epinephrine at the onset of anaphylaxis is critical to survival. Venomous stings (e.g. bees, scorpions, and snakes) are often considered in the “other” category. Interestingly, carbon monoxide, myxedema (due to extreme hypothyroidism), and narcotics are also included in this category due to their effect on systemic vascular resistance.

In a survival setting, many of the causes of distributive shock could be prevented or prepared for prior to the irreversible portion of shock. Carrying antibiotics and keeping wounds clean can minimize risk of infection. You could also try eating garlic or onion at the first sign of infection. This won’t do anything once you’re very far into the pre-shock stage, though. You could also try apple cider vinegar, Echinacea, hydrogen peroxide, or turmeric to help keep a wound clean. Keep in mind that these are very early interventions. Readily available epinephrine for anaphylaxis is a no-brainer, especially if you know you have such reactions. If you have a thyroid condition, ensure that you have enough medication. People who are on chronic steroids must also ensure they don’t run out of these, or they risk adrenal insufficiency, shock, and death.

Hypovolemic Shock

This occurs when there’s a loss of fluid and, in essence, a decrease in stroke volume due to the loss. In order to maintain blood pressure, the heart rate increases to maintain cardiac output, and the arteries constrict to maintain systemic vascular resistance. There are two classifications in hypovolemic shock: hemorrhagic and non-hemorrhagic. In hemorrhagic shock, there’s a disruption of the vascular system, causing a leak. While this can be easily identified by severe external bleeding, don’t forget that internal hemorrhage may not be as apparent.

This could be due to blunt force trauma that causes a rupture in an organ such as the spleen, or a tear in a major vessel from a motor vehicle crash. Pelvic fractures are also known for internal bleeding. Look for bruising on the abdomen or flank, as well as for abdominal distention, as potential indicators of hemorrhage. Stabilizing a pelvic fracture at the scene when there’s evidence of internal bleeding or shock can help slow the hemorrhage. You could consider using a sheet, blanket, or the SAM Pelvic Sling.

Remember that people on any type of blood thinner, including aspirin, are at increased risk of more significant bleeding. Other treatments involve stopping the bleeding by holding pressure to obvious sources of bleeding. If a tourniquet is needed for injuries to the extremity, apply it if you have the proper training on their use. Coagulant powder is also an option. If you don’t have any, remember that cayenne pepper, turmeric, juniper sap, and other natural remedies could also help. Because you might be miles from help, the key is to stop the bleeding rather than replace the fluids.

Surviving the night sunset dusk dawn survival tourniquet first aid medical emergency prepping 8

In non-hemorrhagic shock, the loss of total body water is profound. Because of the water loss (as opposed to blood loss), the viscosity of the blood increases, and thus systemic vascular resistance increases. Fluid loss can be severe due to vomiting and/or diarrhea due to enteritis from bad food or water. Heat stroke can also cause profound dehydration, leading to shock. Mortality for heat stroke can be as high as 80 percent if it’s not treated promptly.

In cases of heat stroke in the wild, sitting in a cold stream may help cool core temperatures. Burns can also cause significant water loss. Due to the loss of the skin barrier, the evaporation of fluid is much greater from the burned area. The larger the area of the burn, the more water is lost. A burn can also increase the risk of secondary infection due to the loss of the protective skin barrier. Even in a hospital setting, someone with a severe burn (third degree) over greater than 40 percent of their body can have a 40 percent chance of mortality.

In a survival situation, honey would be a good makeshift barrier for a burn, serving as a barrier as well as providing some antimicrobial coverage. Lastly, in a prolonged survival setting, the ability to maintain nutrition decreases, as does the amount of protein stored in your body. As the protein levels drop, it becomes more difficult to keep fluids in the vascular space and can lead to hypovolemia (a decreased volume of circulating blood in the body).

Cardiogenic Shock

This is when the heart fails to function efficiently. When the heart weakens acutely because of a heart attack, there’s less muscle available to do work. Sometimes the cardiac muscle becomes weak over time due to heart failure, and no longer can meet the demands of the body. These situations decrease the heart’s ability to pump blood with each contraction and thus decrease stroke volume. Another reason the pump cannot meet demand is if the heart rate is too slow. As the heart rate drops, the heart muscle has to contract harder to push the volume of blood out to maintain cardiac output. Conversely, if the heart rate is too fast (over 200), the heart doesn’t have enough time to fill with blood between contractions, and the stroke volume decreases.

Mortality for cardiogenic shock in the hospital is around 50 percent. Normally, aspirin is given at the onset of a heart attack; however, if there’s no aspirin, natural salicylates would include willow bark, blackberries or red raspberries, cayenne pepper, and almonds. Several days rest would also be important for the patient. Using a drug to increase heart rate wouldn’t be wise. It’s likely a heart attack affected the pacemaker area of the heart, and putting chemical stress on the heart could further expand the area of heart muscle involved.

While external bleeding may not be present after bodily trauma, internal bleeding can often lead to the onset of shock.

Obstructive Shock

This occurs when compression of the heart prevents it from filling with blood. This decreases the stroke volume, because the heart cannot generate enough force to contract. Examples of this would include tension pneumothorax and pericardial tamponade. In a tension pneumothorax, air leaks from a hole in the lung into the space between the lung and the chest wall. If the air cannot escape, then pressure builds within the space and creates the “tension.” The increased pressure in the chest doesn’t allow the heart to fill, and blood pressure falls. The neck veins (jugulars) become distended, and the trachea may even deviate away from the side of injury. The lifesaving measure is to use a decompression needle to allow the air to escape and decrease the tension. The decompression procedure is much more risky in a non-hospital setting.

Pericardial tamponade occurs when fluid builds up within the pericardial sac surrounding the heart. When this fluid accumulates (from trauma, infection, inflammation, or cancer), it prevents the heart from filling with blood due to the constriction and increased pressure in the pericardial space. This can also cause a decrease in blood pressure or signs of congestive heart failure. Natural diuretics like grapes, garlic, onions, dandelion, and green tea could be used to help with congestive heart failure; however, the likelihood that these will be strong enough or act quickly enough to overcome the effects of pericardial tamponade is very low.

In Summary

Shock is a devastating process that has about a 50-percent mortality rate in the hospital setting. In a survival situation with no immediate help, the chances of survival are poor. The best chance of survival is to prepare for causes that can be reversed (e.g. anaphylaxis, hypovolemia, and hemorrhage). Ensure adequate hygiene to prevent even the simplest of scratches from leading to sepsis. Natural plants are helpful for many situations, but aren’t likely to be potent enough or work fast enough to make a difference in the case of shock. And if you haven’t already, take a basic first-aid course and continue with more advanced education so you’re better prepared to handle an emergency.

About the Author

David Miller, DO, FACOI, is an internist in private practice. Diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes in 1990, he has a unique perspective on patient care and disease management. Experiences away from the office include being a fight doctor for regional MMA bouts and a team physician for a Division I university in west central Illinois. Dr. Miller is an instructor for the Civilian Crisis Response Team (medical section) based out of Indianapolis.

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New: Kel-Tec KS7 Lightweight Shotgun

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Kel-Tec has become famous for its unconventional gun designs, especially the dual-magazine-fed KSG shotgun — check out our detailed analysis of that weapon in “Battle of the Boomsticks” in Issue 30 of our magazine (on sale February 8th). While the KSG can be considered controversial, it also has some appealing characteristics. Compared to a run-of-the-mill Remington 870 or Mossberg 500, its bullpup design results in a dramatically reduced overall length with an 18.5-inch barrel. Also, its dual magazine tubes provide a substantial 12-round capacity.

Top: The KSG. Bottom: the new KS7.

Top: the KSG. Bottom: the new KS7.

This year at SHOT Show, the company showed off a new twist on the KSG format: the Kel-Tec KS7. This shotgun retains the small footprint of its predecessor, but uses a single 6-round magazine tube to reduce weight and bulk. Specifically, the KS7 is considerably slimmer and a full pound lighter than the KSG (5.9 pounds vs. 6.9).

Kel Tec KS7 SHOT Show 2019 pump shotgun 12 gauge lightweight survival 5

Another noteworthy change to the KS7 is its removable carry handle, which includes M-LOK slots along each side for lights and other accessories. The carry handle also serves as a channel sight with a triangular green fiber optic bead. The KSG has a BYO-optic bare Picatinny rail setup without iron sights, so we appreciate this addition.

For those who prefer to run an optic instead of the bead sight, Kel-Tec has plans to offer a rail that will replace the carry handle.

Kel Tec KS7 SHOT Show 2019 pump shotgun 12 gauge lightweight survival 4

The Kel-Tec KS7's pump handle is a new design with hand stops at front and rear. Since our previously-mentioned review of the KSG specifically recommends adding a hand stop or foregrip to the picatinny rail on its fore-end, we're glad to see it's built in on the KS7. The remainder of the gun's controls should be familiar to KSG users, although it obviously lacks a magazine selector lever.

Kel Tec KS7 SHOT Show 2019 pump shotgun 12 gauge lightweight survival 1

Overall length of the KS7 is 26.1 inches, the same as the KSG, so it should fit into your backpack, truck, or safe with relative ease. MSRP is $495. For more information on the KS7, go to KelTecWeapons.com.

Frozen Stiff: Identifying & Treating Hypothermia

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This article originally appeared in Issue 2 of our magazine.

What is hypothermia and how does it affect the human body? Have you experienced a form of hypothermia and did not know it?

Most people walking this planet have no idea what hypothermia really is or what its signs and symptoms may be. Let’s say you and your buddies decide to go to a football game, and sometime between the tailgating and the sun setting you begin to feel cold. Next thing you know, your teeth are chattering and you start to shiver, but you suck it up because your buddies are powering on. Now your skin hardens, your fingers become hard to move, and your lips feel like they are burning. Whether you realize it or not, these are some of the beginning stages of hypothermia.

Hypothermia occurs when your body loses heat more rapidly than it can replace it. Commonly caused by exposure to cold weather or even being dunked in cold water, your bodily functions (heartbeat, blood flow, nervous system), and organs will rapidly start to degrade, which will lead to death. The human body operates best at 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit, but when your body is headed south of 95 degrees F, you’re in hypothermia territory.

Hypothermia first aid medical skin winter ice snow survival preparedness 3

The cold can injure or even kill you just as heat does, and in some cases, the cold can do it faster and more painfully. Like other medical conditions, there are different severities of hypothermia, and just as with heat-related emergencies, cold-related emergencies are affected by your body’s thermostat, the hypothalamus.

Symptoms

There are three levels of hypothermia. In mild cases, you’ll see some shivering and hypotension. If it gets worse, moderate cases will demonstrate more intense shivering, along with paleness of the skin, bluing of lips, ears, fingers, and toes. You’ll also notice that the patient will seem alert, but steadily lose their coordination and display confusion and less agility. When things get even more serious, the skin will become blue and puffy. Severe cases also show difficulty in speaking and thinking as well as low blood pressure, slowed breathing, and in many cases, irrational behavior and labored walking. Strangely enough, sometimes victims suffering from severe stages will begin to strip off their clothes, believing that they feel overheated. The stripping of the clothes increases heat loss, which leads to death.

Hypothermia first aid medical skin winter ice snow survival preparedness 8

Treatment

Treatment of all types of hypothermia and other cold-related emergencies is simple. Attempt to get out of the elements as quickly as possible. If you are stranded, you must find shelter or make shelter and get warm by bundling up and, if possible, building a fire. If you’re wet, get dry as soon as possible. Bundle up, under blankets without direct contact with the cold ground. Thermal balance must be maintained for survival. Getting out of the elements and creating a warming environment around you will take care of mild cases.

Water additives coffee tea drink beverage 1

Don’t be too shy to share body heat by initiating skin-to-skin contact. Also, drinking warm, non-alcoholic, non-caffeinated drinks will help. Application of hot water bottles in the armpit and groin areas would help sufferers of moderate hypothermia. If the patient is suffering from a severe case, professional medical assistance will be required to introduce warm fluids into the patient intravenously. Dangerously shallow breathing might require CPR.

Prevention

The best way to avoid hypothermia is to stay warm, dry, and hydrated. It’s important to wear the proper clothing and shoes or boots for the elements. A good rule of thumb is to maintain a good, comfortable level of body heat in cold temperature. Don’t overdo it and bundle up until you’re sweating. On the other hand, don’t go out in the cold in your birthday suit, either. It’s also probably a good idea to pass on the next polar bear plunge, too.

Hypothermia first aid medical skin winter ice snow survival preparedness 6

Maintaining Body Temperature

In cold weather, your body burns more calories faster than in warmer climates. The more you move, the more energy you burn, and the more your body needs to be hydrated. Your primary objective is to stay hydrated. Maintaining a level body temperature goes hand in hand with hydration. Layering clothing is also very important to help maintain your body’s core temperature. Excessive sweating in cold environs is not a good thing since it makes it harder for your body to stay warm. The best way to balance your body warmth is to make adjustments to your clothing as necessary by putting on or taking off layers.

Alcohol

Alcohol can play a role in dehydration. Alcohol when consumed is absorbed rather quickly by the body because of its smaller molecular makeup. Your body wants to process this foreign substance faster, and it then uses water to process the alcohol. That’s why you have to pee when you get hammered. Your body wants to pee it out — and quickly. In a hypothermia situation, depleting water from your body has the opposite desired effect of what we are attempting to achieve. So when you’re freezing, it’s a good idea to avoid that bottle of bourbon or vodka. It may feel like it’s warming you up, but in the end, it’ll freeze you, maybe even to death.

Even after one recovers from the symptoms of hypothermia, it’s a good idea to have a trained medical professional examine the patient to make sure they are fully recovered. Hypothermia is a dangerous killer that can be avoided with proper preparation. When it’s cold out, make sure you take in water and you are properly bundled up. But, hypothermia isn’t the only condition to keep an eye out for. There are other dangers to cold environments, as well. Take a look at the sidebars on these pages to learn what else to avoid.

Other Cold-Induced Injuries

Frost Nip

Hypothermia first aid medical skin winter ice snow survival preparedness 7

Frost nip by definition is damage to the skin and underlining tissue as a result of exposure to severe cold. The signs of frost nip are:

  • Possibly red or pale grayish skin tone
  • Hard and waxy appearance with a burning sensation
  • Numbness and stiff joints
  • Cracking and painful skin

This usually occurs to exposed areas of the body, such as the hands, fingers, toes, noes, ears, or cheeks. While this is occurring, you may not even be aware of it once the numbness sets into those areas. If exposure to the elements continues, the next level of severity would be frostbite.

Frostbite

Hypothermia first aid medical skin winter ice snow survival preparedness 4

Frostbite is an injury to body tissues caused by exposure to extreme cold, typically affecting the extremities. Prolonged exposure could result in gangrene or tissue death.

Frostbite signs are:

  • Reddening of the skin that turn white or pale
  • Direct exposure would have an icy appearance
  • Stinging, burning sensation with swelling to the affected area
  • Over a 24-hour period, you could develop blisters
  • Loss of sensation with continued pain
  • Reduced movement or range of motion in joints and muscles

As the skin continues to be exposed to the extreme cold, the tissue on the surface will be damaged. However, the real problems start with extended exposure to the cold and when the underlining layers of skin are damaged. This could result in damage to blood vessels and capillaries, and it will eventually kill the cells. This is where gangrene starts to set in. If it does, professional medical assistance must be sought immediately.

Basic CMYK

Trench Foot

Trench foot is a painful condition to the feet caused by long exposure to cold water or mud and marked by blackening and death of surface tissue. It also leads to gangrene or tissue death occurring at the affected area. Keep in mind these are the worst-case situations to extreme cold exposure. The key point here is exposure as it’s related to time and temperature. The colder it is, the worse the damage to the body.

Trench foot signs and symptoms are:

  • Tingling or itching sensation with pain and swelling
  • Numbness, prickly needle feeling in the feet
  • Tissue death may occur and start to peel off
  • Blisters surrounding affected area

Gas Relief: Siphoning Fuel in an Emergency

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This article was originally published in Issue 1 of our magazine.

WARNING: The content in this story is provided for illustrative purposes only and not meant to be a detailed guide on fuel transfer or vehicle repair. Any use of the information contained in this article shall be solely at the reader’s risk.

Urban preppers face many unique challenges that their rural cousins need not consider. Urban living has its perks for sure, but ample and adequate space to store certain items is not one. Things like food, water, and medical supplies are manageably stored in a closet or cupboard. Gasoline is not so easy to store if you’re eight floors up and hurtin’ for closet space.

If your plan is to “bug in,” your food and water stockpile can keep you comfortable for however long you’ve prepared to stay. But, what about when you have to bug out? How far can you go on what’s left in the tank of your vehicle? Is it far enough? How can you get the gas you need to go farther?

Siphon gas fuel gasoline bugout vehicle car truck shtf survival emergency 4

Here’s a likely scenario: You have to get mobile, and your car… well, let’s say you haven’t been as diligent as you should’ve about keeping it above the 3⁄8 mark. Your saving grace? You spot an abandoned car in a parking lot. You know chances are it has at least a little gas in it. Assuming the fuel hasn't expired, it's liquid gold. Now you just have to figure out the best way to get those tigers into your tank.

Suck It?

We’ve all seen it, someone sticking a hose into the gas tank and creating a siphon by sucking on it madly until they get a mouth full of 87 octane. Don’t do it. The whole idea is to survive — not to become a rotting corpse, collapsed in a heap, dead from either respiratory arrest, being eaten from the inside out by the petrol in your stomach, or suffocating because of a vapor-burnt esophagus.

Siphon gas fuel gasoline bugout vehicle car truck shtf survival emergency 3

There's no need to put mouth to hose when there are plenty of other ways to appropriate gas. The easiest and most portable way is with a simple hand pump like the one pictured. There are a number of designs and sizes; any home improvement store or auto center will have a good selection.

Siphon gas fuel gasoline bugout vehicle car truck shtf survival emergency 1

Our advice? Get the smallest most packable siphon pump you can find, and keep it in your vehicle emergency kit. We chose an Arnold 490, mainly because of its size, but also because it comes with two different hoses: a large one for gas and a smaller one for Texas tea (oil, that is). It’s efficient, simple, and person-powered. All you do is hook a hose at each end of the pump; the in tube goes into the source tank and the out tube belongs in the gas can, car, or wherever you’re storing your bounty. Now, you’re ready to pump away.

Siphon gas fuel gasoline bugout vehicle car truck shtf survival emergency 2

Another source for a simple siphon pump is your local pet store in the aquarium section. Look for a hand-powered aquarium vac. Instead of pumping out fish poop-laden water, it’ll be suckin’ up gas. It’s also a bonus that they come with the clear tubing, so you can see that it’s actually gas you’re getting.

It’s Never As Easy As It Should Be

Chances are it won’t be as easy as sticking a tube into the gas tank and pumping away. In general, car companies consider the filler tube a one-way street. They make it easy to put gas in, but frown on the ability to take it out.

Several late-model cars have one or more devices to discourage the transfer of fuel out of the tank. The first line of defense you’ll need to get around is the lockable filler door and/or filler cap. Without going into too much detail, the only way past them may be the brute force required to pry, pick, and break your way past the doors and locks.

car-scavanging-gas-filler

Now that you have access to the filler tube, you notice there’s a little flapper thing covering the top of the filler tube. Sure, the siphon hose will push it aside as it goes in, but much like Chinese finger cuffs, the more you try to pull the hose out, the more the flap pinches it. Be prepared to use your screwdriver to push the flap up when taking the hose out.

Now that we’ve dealt with the easily-beatable first lines of defense, a much more defiant adversary awaits. If you start to feel some resistance as you put the hose down into the tank, chances are you’ve hit one of two things: an anti-siphon screen or an anti-siphon valve.

The anti-siphon screen is merely a piece of perforated metal that prevents anything solid from going into the tank. That’s easy enough to get around. All you need to find is a long enough screwdriver or any sturdy stick thin enough to fit on the tube and long enough to hit the screen with room to spare. You can guess what happens next; you’re going to use what you have to break the screen. Caution! Gas vapor is extremely flammable, so using a metal rod to puncture the screen may cause sparks, followed by a flash, followed by you doing an impression of the human torch. Again, the object is to survive, so common sense should be applied abundantly.

The Anti-Siphon Valve

If there’s still resistance while pushing the hose down the filler tube, then you’ve most likely come across an anti-siphon valve. Though exact designs vary with manufacturers, the most basic and efficient valve is a simple ball valve. Push against it, and it closes the filler tube. When gas is flowing it floats up, and the gas gets to the tank.

syphon

So, how do you get through the anti-siphon valve? Short of disassembling the filler tube, you can’t go through the valve. Instead, you’ll have to go around. The easiest but least comfortable way is to climb under the car, and if it’s a polymer tank, drill into it with the battery-operated drill you always have with you.* What? A cordless drill isn’t part of your bug-out bag. No worries, it’s not in ours either. So, how do we tap that gas?

*Note: Never attempt to drill a hole into a metal fuel tank with a metal drill bit. Sparks from a bit and from the electric motor may ignite fuel vapors in the tank, causing explosion and death.

Since you’re always prepared, your multitool has various ways to create holes in the tank. Depending on the tool, you can use an awl, a corkscrew, a screwdriver, or a knife to get into the tank. Basically, any sharp pointy object can be used to work or punch your way in. Remember these tanks are designed to withstand a good amount of damage before being punctured. Any method of putting a hole in the tank is going to require a little muscle and a lot of patience.

Siphon gas fuel gasoline bugout vehicle car truck shtf survival emergency 5

If you’re so inclined, an alternative method to get around the anti-siphon valve is to attack the tank from the other end. This requires you to be a little more mechanically adventurous. You’ll need to find the fuel line coming out from the tank to the engine. You’ll see that it’s attached to the tank with a metal clamp. With the pliers on your multitool, remove the clamp and, bingo, you’re in. Put the siphon hose where the fuel line was and away you go. If you found the keys to the car, you can crank the ignition with this hose disconnected to let the fuel pump force fuel through the hose.

It’s worth noting that not all of these methods work on all models of cars. It’s easier to get gas out of some cars (especially pre-1990s models) than others. If you have time you may need to exercise some creativity to get what you need. It’s important to remember, however, the longer you’re trying to figure it out, the longer you’re not moving forward. Moving on to easier pickins may be the best option. Needless to say, the essence of functioning effectively in any emergency or crisis is being prepared to adapt and overcome.

Reader’s Tip: Considerations for Going Gray

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Editor's Note: I recently received the following email from a reader regarding my On the Grid column in Issue 29, When Going Gray is a Red Flag. In that column, I responded with an open letter to an acquaintance who had ridiculed the “gray man” concept — you can read my counterpoint on page 104 of that issue. This reader, who wishes to stay anonymous, offered some helpful insights into his experience with this principle as a plainclothes law enforcement officer.

The Gray Man silhouette

My apologies for being so far away from the release date of Issue 29, but I wanted to pass along my thoughts on going gray.

First, my background. I am a military veteran who did serve overseas (Cold War), and have over 18 years in federal law enforcement with over 13 of those years in plain clothes.

To me, it is a balancing act. A person should have clothing that is practical, good quality, long wearing, and comfortable. It should also match and reflect a persons style and taste, as we all have preferences that make us unique and comfortable. Your clothing should be appropriate for the area, but versatile enough for movement to other areas. A tuxedo and a business suit are similar in having a coat, shirt, tie, and pants, but they are not necessarily interchangeable. And no matter how good Cary Grant looked in “North by Northwest,” you wouldn't really go mountaineering in that apparel.

Cary Grant looking dapper in the classic 1959 Hitchcock thriller

Cary Grant as Roger Thornhill in the classic 1959 Hitchcock thriller “North by Northwest”

I agree with, and enjoyed, your article. Just as a military veteran can often spot another, so can a true veteran spot a charlatan. The way a person moves/looks/carries themselves says volumes about who they are. And even those who have made careers out of deep cover assignments, understand the limits to going totally dark and yet still be engaged and relevant.

Another point to consider is this: in addressing crime deterrence, it's recommended that the more hardened a target is, the greater deterrence it is to a criminal. If your home has alarm company signs posted, visible cameras (even fake ones), well trimmed landscaping, and visible quality locks, a thief would possibly pass it by in favor of a less prepared looking residence. The same can be said about a person. But a caveat is that there will always be an outlier that is not fazed one way or the other.

I would stress more emphasis on situational awareness and environment awareness, than stressing a “gray man” concept. One also needs to be within their comfort zone. Some people want/need a fairly comprehensive EDC to feel comfortable, while others are more minimalist.

Anyway, that is some of my two cents to a nickel's worth of thoughts. If you wish to use any of my comments, feel free.

Review: TOPS Hammer Hawk Tomahawk

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Contrary to what we may often see on TV, real survival isn’t scripted. It never will be. Staying alive in adverse conditions requires knowledge, skills and a plan; having the right tools certainly doesn’t hurt, also.

Topping the list of desirable SHTF gear is the venerable knife. Few tools are more closely associated with survival, and for good reason. Fixed blade or folder, this one piece of survival equipment has probably contributed to saving more lives than any other. From fire starting, to shelter building and defense, in the world of survival the knife is the original multi-tool. But depending on the task at hand, even the best knife can have practical limitations. And no matter how capable your knife — and some are very capable — there may be times when the situation requires something much more robust. Think heavy-duty chopping, hammering or smashing.

TOPS MSF 4 and Fieldcraft bushcraft knives review 28

Above: TOPS offers many survival-oriented knives, including the Fieldcraft fixed blade and MSF 4.0 folder we previously reviewed.

While you can certainly improvise and use your knife for all sorts of tasks, essentially you may be forcing it to do the work of a much larger and heavier tool, and hoping it will hold up to the abuse. Push the limits of your knife too far, however, and you risk damaging or even losing a vital piece of your survival kit just when you need it most. When the situation demands next level durability, strength and performance, you may want to take things up a notch. Enter the tomahawk.

OFFGrid TOPS Hammer Hawk Hands On Review (10).JPG

Today we'll review the TOPS Hammer Hawk Tomahawk, exploring the many features that set it apart from other tomahawks and make it a definite asset in just about any survival situation.

TomaWhat?

A tomahawk is commonly defined as a general purpose, single-handed, light axe used by, and often associated with, Native Americans. The earliest known designs consisted of a stone or deer antler head attached to a wooden handle using strips of rawhide, and are believed to be among some of the oldest tools made by humans.

A tomahawk produced by the Hudson' Bay Company in the 1830s. Source: FBI.gov

A tomahawk produced by the Hudson' Bay Company in the 1830s. Source: FBI.gov

When Europeans arrived in North America the metal blades they brought with them helped propel early tomahawk designs to a whole new level. These advancements ushered in huge improvements in efficiency, durability, and lethality. The updated tomahawks could be used for cutting, chopping, hunting, and for battle, but they also served as a key tool for everyday survival needs.

While the tomahawk’s compact size made it easy to carry and use in confined spaces, their effectiveness and power was unmatched by anything that had come before. The improved designs incorporated the best aspects of the originals, with modern materials and a broader range of multi-function features.

Modern Tomahawk Design

The design of many modern tomahawks usually consists of a steel head attached to a wood or composite handle. Some designs incorporate a single (full-tang) piece of steel with no traditional head-attachment points, and use wood or composite materials on the handle to provide a secure grip, as well as comfort and durability.

TOPS Hammer Hawk backup knife tomahawk blade combo 4

Advances in metallurgy, design, materials, and fabrication methods have helped the tomahawk evolve and take its place in the 21st century as an important multipurpose tool that is still widely used by the military, law enforcement, and private citizens. It’s no secret that U.S. soldiers have used tomahawks in Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan. One news article even quotes former Navy SEAL team members confirming that some on the teams have used tomahawks on missions for breaching and hand-to-hand combat, among other things.

OFFGrid TOPS Hammer Hawk Hands On Review (16).JPG

The Hammer Hawk is a prime example of this evolution, and how computer aided design, modern materials and hand-finished details have all come together to create a superior tool that is just as relevant and useful today as it was in its earliest forms.

The 411 on the TOPS Hammer Hawk

The Hammer Hawk is made by TOPS, an American company based in Eastern Idaho that was founded in 1998 by several combat veterans who served in Vietnam. These guys are intimately familiar with what works in the field, and more importantly what doesn’t. (When your life depends on the gear you carry, you tend to be very particular.) So when they got together to start TOPS the mission was crystal clear – produce quality, overbuilt, functional tools that exceed expectations in real-world conditions.

OFFGrid TOPS Hammer Hawk Hands On Review (3).JPG

Leo Espinosa, who designed the Hammer Hawk, is also the President and lead designer for TOPS Knives. Leo is very passionate about the products that come out of the TOPS facility in Idaho, and the Hammer Hawk is just one example.

The Hammer Hawk features a full-tang design, incorporating a 3/8 inch thick piece of 1075 carbon steel. TOPS usually uses 1095 for most of its knives, but they decided to use 1075 for this tool, since 1075 is less brittle and can still be sharpened in the field. This steel features what TOPS calls an “Acid Rain” finish which looks great and allows the unique character of the metal to come through.

All TOPS knives and tomahawks, including the Hammer Hawk, are differentially heat treated by hand to increase hardness at the cutting edge while maintaining a more flexible spine/handle. This results in excellent durability under hard use. On the opposing side of the Hammer Hawk's edge is a heavy-duty hammer head, which offers a large surface area for blunt-force impact, and is also differentially heat-treated by hand.

OFFGrid TOPS Hammer Hawk Hands On Review (12).JPG

The handle is topped off with textured green canvas Micarta scales that are hand-fitted and hand-sanded/polished. The scales cover almost the entire length of the handle for comfort, safety and added confidence during swings. Their thick contours provide an excellent no-slip grip in all conditions, with or without gloves. At the bottom end of the handle are two lanyard holes suitable for lashings or lanyards.

Overall length is 14.5 inches – long enough to get a good swing, and short enough to permit choking up for added control of the razor sharp, 4.25 inch cutting edge. This size is ideally suited for getting into tighter spaces, and requires much less backswing to deliver effective strikes, when compared to a larger two-handed axe. The large cutting edge comes to a point on the bottom and is excellent for hacking through rope, twine, and other similar materials.

OFFGrid TOPS Hammer Hawk Hands On Review (17).JPG

The head is CNC-machined to help reduce the weight, but the guys at TOPS used the opportunity to mill in a detailed Native American spear design right into the head. The tomahawk weighs 36.3 ounces (2.27 pounds).

The two-piece brown leather sheath system allows a comfortable carry option and quick access. The sheath covers the entire head and uses a two-snap design that is not only attractive, but also highly functional. The belt-loop portion is also well designed and provides a generous amount of leather to hold the Hammer Hawk in place, while providing ease of movement. The sheath weighs 6 ounces, bringing total weight of the tomahawk and sheath to 42.3 ounces (2.64 pounds).

The Verdict

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The TOPS Hammer Hawk Tomahawk is a serious, full-tang monster that combines practical performance with style and superb workmanship.

We were very impressed with the strength and durability of the entire package, especially the extremely robust 0.38 (3/8) inch thick piece of 1075 carbon steel, and the very secure and comfortable, hand-fitted Micarta scales which cover the majority of the handle and facilitate multiple grip options.

OFFGrid TOPS Hammer Hawk Hands On Review (11).JPG

This hatchet-sized tomahawk can easily perform the work typically done with a much larger axe. It incorporates serious chopping and smashing power in one compact and multi-function tool that’s just as much at home at camp as in an evacuation bag. While it will absolutely chop and cut, it can also be used as an evacuation/breaking/breaching tool to take on doors, windows and many other obstacles with blunt force impact strikes using the hardened hammer on the back end. It's also helpful for more mundane tasks such as pounding in tent stakes.

OFFGrid TOPS Hammer Hawk Hands On Review (18).JPG

The Hammer Hawk has a suggested retail price of $350, and for an extra $20 you also get the TOPS Backup knife. With a bit of shopping around we were able to find a number of vendors offering prices around $250.

The Hammer Hawk is a high-quality, American-made tool that we feel confident would last a lifetime. A big thumbs up on this one. For more information on the Hammer Hawk, go to www.topsknives.com.

About The Author

Richard is a practicing attorney, urban survival consultant, writer and firearms enthusiast. He’s the author of Surviving Doomsday: A Guide for Surviving an Urban Disaster, and The Quick Start Guide for Urban Preparedness. www.quickstartsurvival.com

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Video: Steve1989 Tastes a Russian Spetsnaz MRE

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Many of us have eaten American MREs, whether it was during military service, on a camping trip, or as an emergency ration. While there are plenty of jokes along the lines of “meal ready to excrete” or “meal rejected by everyone,” most MREs we've tried are reasonably palatable. That said, it's always interesting to see how other countries and cultures approach the MRE formula. The YouTube channel Steve1989MREInfo provides a look into these often-strange international culinary adventures.

Steve1989 MRE emergency ration food Russian Spetsnaz special forces 2

We recently came across one particularly interesting episode where Steve samples the contents of a rare Russian Special Forces 24-hour Mountain Ration. This was reportedly produced for members of the Spetsnaz operating in challenging high-altitude environments, and it contains some food that those of us in the west might consider a bit unorthodox. Namely, there are two types of pork brain pâté, one of which also contains liver.

Despite these ingredients, Steve calls this one of the best military rations he's ever had. Here's an outline of the surprisingly comprehensive spread of items inside this 24-hour ration:

  • Beef porridge
  • Beef goulash with potatoes
  • Minced sausage (appears similar to Spam)
  • Pork brain pâté
  • Liver and pork brain pâté
  • 3 packets of cereal/porridge
  • Nut and apricot bar
  • Cheese spread
  • Apple spread
  • Chocolate hazelnut spread
  • 5 packets of crackers
  • 5 bars of dark chocolate
  • Cherry drink mix
  • Coffee packets and tea bags
  • Sugar, salt, pepper
  • Multi-vitamins
  • Water purification tablets
  • Matches and mini solid-fuel stove
  • 2 flameless ration heaters
  • Plastic spoons and pouch-opening tool
  • Antiseptic towelettes for cleaning skin and utensils

What are your thoughts? Would you give the pork brain pâté a try, only eat it in an emergency, or would you rather starve? Let us know in the comments. For more ration reviews, follow Steve1989MREInfo on YouTube.

Flu Pandemics of the Past 110 Years

Written by

This article was originally published in Issue 2 of our magazine.

Spanish Flu (H1N1)

1918-1919
20-50 million deaths

One of the deadliest outbreaks, ever — not just in terms of the number killed, but also in how quickly they were killed. It is estimated that one third of the world’s population was infected, resulting in 20 to 50 million deaths (some researchers peg the number closer to 100 million). Not only that, but the virus killed mostly healthy young adults instead of the old and weak, who are usually more at risk with influenzas. The death toll in the U.S. was roughly 675,000. Just as quickly as it laid waste to the globe, it disappeared. Its exact origin remains unknown and a topic of debate.

Asian Flu (H2N2)

1957-1958
1-4 million deaths

First identified in China, this influenza A virus killed an estimated 1 to 4 million people, including about 70,000 in the U.S. It was relatively less lethal and mostly affected children and the elderly, with an estimated fatality rate of less than 0.2 percent. Vaccines were developed within about three months, but took some time longer to manufacture in quantity. Two waves of infections hit the U.S., a reminder that even when things seem to be getting better during a pandemic, another surge might hit.

Hong Kong Flu (H3N2)

1968-1969
1-4 million deaths

Originating from Hong Kong, another influenza A virus spread across the world. An estimated 1 to 4 million people died, about 34,000 of whom were in the U.S. As with the previous Asian Flu pandemic, the fatality rate was also relatively low, at less than 0.2 percent. Additionally, better medical care and antibiotics that helped fight secondary bacterial infections were able to soften the impact.

Mexican Flu (aka “Swine Flu,” H1N1)

2009
150k-600k deaths

A new strain of the H1N1 influenza virus from the early 1900s returned in 2009, resulting in an estimated 150,000 to 600,000 dead with a 0.03-percent fatality rate. It hit young people, in particular (5 to 30 years old) with even the very healthy potentially developing pneumonia or acute respiratory distress syndrome. The CDC estimates that in the U.S., about 9,000 to 18,000 people died, out of 43 to 89 million who had H1N1. The virus originated in Mexico, apparently from a combination of pig, bird, swine, and human flu viruses. But, despite the “swine flu” moniker, it had nothing to do with eating pork.

Near-Misses

SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome)

2002-2003

In 2002 to 2003, severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) hit Asia and was a huge scare. Caused by a coronavirus, it resulted in life-threatening atypical pneumonia and respiratory distress. SARS is believed to be transmitted by human-to-human contact, and a quick response by governments, agencies, and citizens helped stop it from spreading and becoming a pandemic. Still, the WHO estimated a 10-percent mortality rate among those who were infected, nearly 800 out of 8,100 across almost 30 countries. Another type of coronavirus, known as the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV), appeared in Saudi Arabia in 2012. So far, it has remained relatively contained to the Middle East and has not proven to spread rapidly, but it is being closely monitored.

Bird Flu (H5N1)

mid-2000s

You may also remember the Avian Flu (or Bird Flu) from the mid-2000s. This strain of avian influenza (H5N1) was detected in birds, and cases were confirmed in countries across Asia and Europe. It is not considered a pandemic because it lacked means of efficient human-to-human transmission, and total reported cases are relatively low (641 as of October 2013). However, the H5N1 virus is believed to be highly lethal (nearly 60 percent, according to WHO estimates), and if it eventually mutates sufficiently to allow airborne transmission between mammals, it would be extremely dangerous and could quickly rise to pandemic levels. As a result of this looming threat — considered by many to the largest as of today — research and preparation continues in hopes of keeping up with the mutations. Still, keep in mind that it could take several months for production of a new vaccine just to ramp up, much less reach such volumes that they could be widely distributed around the world. And if that wasn’t enough, new variants continue to appear, such as the H7N9 virus that emerged in China in 2013 (as of press date, H7N9 had not yet shown to be transmitted effectively between humans).

Virus in blood

Sidebar: Smallpox

Smallpox isn't a form of flu, but there's still much we can learn from this devastating disease. It is caused by the Variola virus, spread by human-to-human contact (e.g. from coughing or exposure to smallpox scabs or contaminated clothing). Initial symptoms typically include fever, vomiting, fatigue, and aches, followed by the infamous rash and bumps spreading from the face to arms and legs. An ancient disease at least 3,000 years old, smallpox killed an estimated 300 to 500 million people in just the 20th century, and it had an estimated mortality rate (depending on who you ask) of 30 to 40 percent among those infected. At least it was a purely human disease, so it could not be transmitted via other means like the bubonic plague.

It is also the only human disease that was defeated by a massive global vaccination campaign. This cross-border achievement, accomplished through cooperation among many nations, is heralded as one of the great triumphs of medical science.

The smallpox vaccine that was developed, comprised of live vaccinia virus, was very effective, but had potentially severe and even fatal complications. Live animals and non-sterile conditions were used to manufacture the vaccine, which would not cut it for current standards. Routine smallpox vaccinations have not been administered for decades. Even if you were vaccinated as a kid, the vaccine requires periodic booster doses to maintain full effectiveness. So the only people walking the streets today truly protected against smallpox are those who already had the disease and survived.

Once smallpox was declared eradicated in 1980, all known stocks of the smallpox Variola virus in laboratories around the world were destroyed or transferred to high-security facilities in the United States and Russia. These are the only official locations that maintain a supply of infectious Variola virus, and research utilizing these samples is tightly restricted and monitored. The World Health Organization and many scientists have urged that the remaining virus stocks be destroyed once and for all, but the U.S. and Russia have resisted, citing research needs.
So, does that give you the warm fuzzies? Yeah, that’s what we thought. So what can you do about it? Follow the same recommendations in the main article, and take some comfort in the fact that smallpox can only be transmitted by person-to-person contact.

What Can You Do to Prepare?

Pandemic infographic flu influenza h1n1 sars bird viral health medical survival 3

These infectious diseases are viruses, so you can’t stock up on antibiotics or other drugs to combat them. You can’t protect against a virus that doesn’t yet exist. However, there are some things you can do to try to stack the odds in your favor:

Maintain your physical condition. Better yet, improve it — exercise and eat healthy. The stronger and healthier you are, the stronger your natural immune system. Keep up to date on your flu shots.

Practice good hygiene. You don’t have to act like Howie Mandel, but wash your hands frequently with soap and water (or alcohol-based hand sanitizer), especially after coughing or sneezing, contact with other people, or touching potentially contaminated surfaces. Cover your coughs and sneezes, and avoid the same from others. Properly dispose of tissues and wash your hands afterward. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. For those who hunt or have regular contact with animals, take precautions whenever possible to limit exposure to wild animal blood and bodily fluids, especially if you have any injuries, cuts, or scratches on your hands or arms.

Work to increase your self-sufficiency and preparedness. The more prepared you are with food, supplies, water, and so forth, the better you will be able to wait out quarantines, subsist, and survive during the tough times that may come during a serious and wide-spread pandemic. Try to keep cash and barter goods on hand, since financial services may be disrupted. If you require medications, be sure to keep sufficient stock.

Develop contingency and communication plans for your family. Plan ahead for how to keep in touch, who is responsible for what, and how to corral all your family members.

Distance yourself socially. This is a tough one given the realities of day-to-day life, but avoiding crowds and reducing travel will help decrease your risk of exposure. Try to keep at least a yard away from people who are showing symptoms of influenza-like illness, such as coughing or sneezing.

Keep up to date. Before planning travel, check the latest reports of disease outbreaks: For the U.S., http://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/fluactivitysurv.htm, and internationally, http://www.who.int/csr/don/en/index.html.

Stock up on N95 respirators. NIOSH-certified N95 respirators or medical masks can help reduce potential exposure, though by no means can you rely on them to fully protect you.

Avoid urban areas. If possible, residing in areas with a lower population density will reduce your risk to some extent. However, note that in this day and age, even people in rural areas may also travel frequently. You also need to balance population density against having access to quality health care.

It would seem that living like a reclusive hermit might be the safest course of action, but we also can’t live our lives completely in fear. So be smart, stay informed, and be prepared.

Sources

Update: Coronavirus / COVID-19

Although it falls under a different classification than the forms of influenza discussed in this article, the 2019 novel Coronavirus (also known as COVID-19) is rapidly developing into a large-scale pandemic. For more information on Coronavirus symptoms, detection, treatment, and prevention, refer to our recent article, Coronavirus: How Concerned Should We Be? by Dr. David Miller.

Preparing Your Home for a Backup Generator

Written by

This article was originally published in Issue 2 of our magazine.

With our cities weathering everything from natural disasters to an aging infrastructure, power outages are becoming an all too common occurrence. Aside from needing power to run everything from lights to microwaves, many people depend on electricity to run critical medical equipment and refrigerators for medicines. If the power does go offline for a few days or more in your area like it did during the large-scale blackout of the Northeast in 2003, do you have a plan to get your home up and running?

Having a power generator handy is definitely a great idea and should be on the top of every prepper’s must-have list. We’re going to take it one step further than to simply have a generator at your beck and call. We will prepare our house so that it can accept power from a backup generator much like how a hospital or supermarket has theirs. Do you know if your home is prepared to run off a generator safely and efficiently?

Generator power outage prep survival electricity disaster emergency 1

Above: This EF6300iSDE generator by Yamaha cranks out enough power to get equipment like well pumps going as well smaller items such as TVs and computers.

Planning & Preparation

Before we begin, let’s get the legal stuff out of the way first. There is a federal code that regulates electrical construction in the United States. In this article, we will cover the ways to legally get your home back onto the grid in case of an emergency. A dangerous practice called “back feeding,” which is where you simply make a male-to-male extension cord and plug it into your house, is often illegal and can be very dangerous. Don’t do it that way. Before SHTF, take the opportunity to set your home up properly to accept generator power before you really need to.

The first obstacle to tackle is making a priority list of appliances that your family will need to run in case of a power outage. I recommend involving as few people as possible in this process. Trying to convince your better half that the wine fridge and flat iron are not necessities can be a battle that is better avoided. My house is small, so the big ones for my family are the refrigerator, Internet, and TV, and I picked one room that I wanted lighting in. In my case, I chose the living room because it is on the same circuit as Internet and TV. Your essentials may vary. If you have a deep freezer, live in an environment that the air conditioning is a must, or get your water from an electric well pump, you should definitely take all these necessities into consideration.

Basic CMYK

Above: Transfer switches allow you to safely switch between your primary sources of power like the city’s grid to a backup source like a portable generator without danger of energizing unwanted circuits.  

Getting the house itself ready takes a little effort, time, and money, but is well worth the trouble. Being entirely self-sufficient during dark days is priceless. Federal code requires that you install a transfer switch before connecting any generator to your house. In some areas, your local code may require you to use a licensed electrician. If you are one, then kudos to you. If you aren’t one, get a pro to install it for you. A transfer switch allows you to safely switch between your primary sources of power to a backup source without danger of energizing unwanted circuits. There are two different kinds of switches available. Manual switches, which require you to manually turn the switch to the generator position and start your generator, and automatic transfer switches which can be coupled with an electric start generator that detects a drop in current and automatically switches to and turns on your generator. The transfer switch can be set up to power the whole electrical panel or only specific circuits.

Generator Basics

Let’s talk generators. This is a subject that could make up a whole article by itself. For the scope of this article, I am going to cover just the basics. After analyzing your electrical needs list, you will have to figure out if you are only going to run 120-volt appliances, such as lights, TVs, or small appliances, or if you are going to need to run larger 240-volt appliances like washing machines and some water heaters and air conditioners. You will then need to add up the voltage required for all your appliances measured in watts to get the approximate size of generator you will need.

Generators will usually have two ratings:

  • Running wattage, which is the amount of power it can generate for a sustained period of time
  • Surge wattage, the amount of power a generator can produce for a short peak of demand

Generator power outage prep survival electricity disaster emergency 3

Above: Generators should be used in a well-ventilated area and never inside your garage or house. Even when installed outside, be mindful to avoid placing it near air intakes and windows. 

Once you have all this information, you can start searching for a generator that fits your needs. In some cases, it might be better to purchase two generators. Many manufacturers offer kits that allow you to connect the generators together so they can run in parallel. This will allow you to run more appliances and put less of a load on each generator. The added bonus of this is you have a built-in backup in case one generator goes down, as well as a source for spare parts.

If you have done everything to prepare your home in advance, all you will have to do when the power goes out is turn your transfer switch to the generator position, plug in your generator, and start it up. If you opt for an automatic setup, it’ll start up all by itself when it detects a power drop. Once you have a proper power generator setup in your home, you can rest easy and continue life as usual the next time the power shuts off.

Generator power outage prep survival electricity disaster emergency 2

3 Considerations for Running a Generator

Carbon Monoxide — Always run your generator in a well-ventilated area and never inside your garage or house. Try to avoid placing it near air intakes or windows. According to the U.S. Government, approximately 170 people die each year from unintentional carbon monoxide poisoning, and about half of these deaths occur during power outages.

Power loss — You want to use an extension cord as short as possible to avoid losing power between your generator and transfer box. In this case, the less length, the better.

Security — Generators make noise. Even the quietest models can draw unwanted attention, especially when no one else on your street is running one. If your house is the only one prepped for power, it can make you a target. At the very least, you will probably want to chain your generator to a large object so someone does not just
walk off with it.

Infographic: The Survival Rule of 3s

Written by

This article was originally published in Issue 1 of our magazine.

Despite all our advancements in medicine, science, and technology, the human body is still a relatively fragile system. Those who have endured a survival situation will be acutely aware of this fact. Whether you're up against a large-scale natural disaster, injured on a solo hike, or stranded by a vehicle breakdown, knowing your physical limits can help you prioritize tasks and stay safe. There's no sense in hunting for food if you're going to die of dehydration, and it's unwise to search for a fresh water source if hypothermia is already setting in.

Photo Credit: Spc. Liliana S. Magers, U.S. Army Alaska Public Affairs

One easy way to remember the hierarchy of survival risks is known as The Rule of 3s. The simplest version of this rule tells us that 3 hours without shelter, 3 days without water, or 3 weeks without food can be fatal. An expanded version of the rule also includes suffocation in 3 minutes without air. Additionally, 3 days without sleep can lead to delirium, an extreme decline in mental function and motor skills. Of course, differences in physical fitness, age, health, and the surrounding environment can skew these figures, but the general rule is intended as an estimate for the average individual.

The following infographic from Issue 1 of our magazine provides a visual reference for The Rule of 3s, as well as some other important human body tolerances to keep in mind. Click here to download a full-size printable version of this infographic.

Human body tolerances rule of 3 survival preparedness air shelter water food infographic 1