Suggestions on filtering the steady stream of bad news due to recent events. Yes, be aware and concerned, No, do not stew in fear and worry.  Some tips from two good sites to help you and me keep things in perspective, and turn that concern into positive actions that will actually help you. All that plus necessary changes out at the Range and the latest class information. Risk Assessment. Real vs Perceived Danger and how that changes. Aware versus Paranoid. Head Game: survive in your...

 A new listener from Southeastern Ohio reached out and had some good suggestions to share. His name is Todd and he reminded me that building a plan is the key part of the Bug Out Bag and it can be pretty overwhelming at the start. He had some good ideas to share.  Let's take a look at some of those ideas, and I'll share some tips on how to build your plan. I'm pleased to report that we have good news on the new class, Non-Ballistic Self Defense, we are setting up. It is live on the website....

It seems we are seeing more and more reports of emergencies lately. When we do, one of the common issues is the loss of power to the home. There are an increasing number of choices when it comes to choosing a source of backup power. It is a deep subject and the key to success is research and planning. It can be confusing and it doesn't matter if you go Gasoline Generator, Solar backup, or some of the new alternate systems. Your first task is to decide what you are going to keep running. Let's...

How does an idiom from 1899 relates to today's problems?  How does that apply to prepping? We will take a closer look at disasters around the world and the lessons you and I can take from them. Corruption and complacency can end with you and I. Plus new classes are being added as well as old favorites. Facebook Page for  Refuse to Be a Victim Personal Protection Training Facebook Page for Survival Beyond the Bug Out Bag If you wish to subscribe to our newsletter or for questions and...

Things that we often forget when packing for a Bug Out can be really important.  Everything from your medications to your friends. You are going to need both. Welcome in. Facebook Page for  Refuse to Be a Victim Personal Protection Training Facebook Page for Survival Beyond the Bug Out Bag Prop 114 Update Information This post can be viewed in a browser here: https://www.oregonfirearms.org/oregon-sheriffs-will-not-issue-permits-to-purchase-all-magazines-banned If you wish to subscribe to...

September is National Preparedness Month, and it couldn't have come at a better time. August has been a veritable &^%$ Storm of disasters. The tragedy in Lahina, blistering heat and drought, and fires up and down the West Coast have stressed everyone to the limit. There are some common themes too.  A  report by our local County officials points out that "Milling" is an issue. People are told to leave and when officers check 30 minutes later they find folks haven’t moved. Why? They...

It is  now time for me to do some prepping. Things got very busy all at once. I'll be taking off to work on my OLLI class for SOU. I will also be writing to prepare the site for the upcoming National Preparedness Month, which also happens to be September. I'll be back on September 1st. This time I have some more indepth class information and updates. Please take the heat seriously. People are dying  both in Europe and here in the US. My free community classes are complete for this summer....

A Holiday means family time and I thank you for taking the time to include me in yours this week. I'll have an update on my new pellet grill. (It went very well.) I want to remind everyone to look at how you identify the dangers of Heat-related health issues. That includes Heat illness, Heat Cramps, and Heatstroke. They are serious and should not be taken lightly. Check out the link below. Remember the mister, lots of water and sunscreen for everyone, This is the perfect time to mention...

A question for our area broadcasters: "Can I tune in to your radio or tv station in an emergency? I'm putting that question to our local media as it is one of the more common questions I get in my classes and presentations.  In addition, we will talk about the problems with just milling around when you get a notice to leave and how the two questions can actually blend together. I talk a lot about planning. But what does that mean? We will look at the options for the first few days to help...

First of all, Happy Father's Day. I have discovered the world of Pellet Grills and Oh my!  I'm also going to give a few shout-outs today to some very cool people. As temperatures start to rise, let's look at water storage and water treatment tips. We know that emergencies and disasters happen in all kinds of weather. We know that water treatment is vital. Let's talk about the steps you can take. Our international listeners reach out, and we have class information for you. Come on in. Review...

Just how ready are you? The series of local thunderstorms and related lightning strikes in the area got me thinking about the status of my own Bug Out Bag and my preparation level. I'm giving myself a good talking-to.  Time to repack the bag.  That also got me to rethink some of the newer first-aid ideas that I will be exploring in the weeks to come, All of this while I'm getting ready for the Speakers Bureau event in Ashland on June 28th.  Class information? Of course.  Please follow,...

Sometimes you head off in one direction on a project and something catches your attention and you are "down the rabbit hole", moving in a new direction. I was planning on talking about being able to help first responders if you are unable to speak. I was looking at the medical dog tags I wear and the connection to Memorial Day was too strong. The irony of speaking for those who can no longer speak for themselves was a bit too strong, as well as the connection to the aftermath of the Civil...

While fire starters and the latest solar toys are nice, a key part of P repping includes planning your finances too. This week's latest round of bank failures and job losses brought that home to me. I want to share some suggestions and links with you too. Let's look at "needs"  compared to "wants", the importance of paying yourselves first, and just what high credit card interest rates do to your wallet, and self-esteem. It's a long road but a trip worth taking. Links:  Credit Karma The...

We have gone from frost and cold weather to temps already in the 80s since the last program. I've broken out my summer straw hat and sunscreen. That can be good news for the garden, but not so much for what emergency supplies you may need to have available in the car. A reminder of the danger of high car temps in the summer and options for storing water and first aid supplies correctly.   Nice seeing you at the MRPC Gun Show last weekend. I'll be answering a few questions that caught my ear. ...

It's time to look at shifting your packs and supplies from Winter to Summer in your planning. There are some new classes being offered, and the regular CHL Class is open for business.  The Gun Show at MRPC is this weekend, 4/22 from 9-5 & 4/23. 9-3. I plan on stopping by on Sunday at 11 with Phil and CJ. Come say hello.'I'm changing my position on the steps I suggest to take to combat insanity in Salem.  It. seems to be more proactive and positive. See what you think. Oh yes, we now have...

It was suggested that out team can come and meet YOU at the MRPC Gun Show on Sept 22 and 23rd. Sounds good to me. We are working on a specific day and time. Then there is all the information you  will need to know on Tarps and how useful they can be.PlusClass information and  suggestions on  new classes. All that plus the on going, lurching stupidity in Salem. Vendor and Source Information for this  week: The Prepared: https://theprepared.com/gear/reviews/tarps/ 10’X10’  $99 each  AquaQuest...

This week I explained the "why" of my long absence. That also leads us to how "Real Life" gives us a lot of opportunities to use our prepping skills. Sometimes it is not always a national disaster that kicks things into motion. It can be a personal one as well. It is even more important to be prepared in those cases too. This was a classic example of the positive value of not only planning but using and working that plan, to be ready for the curve balls that life throws. I had someone ask if...

First of all, a Happy Valentines Day to  each member of our Family of Preppers. This week I'll follow up on the question of egg prices and gouging.  Why carrying some cash is a good idea again. Some lessons we can all take away from the disaster in Turkey, I also  I  built the Website it reminded me of just how many different classes we offer. All that and links to the lastest on Prop 114 . Follow this link for the full report:  https://www.oregonfirearms.org/114-lawsuit-update  Next...

This time I will be following up on the “Great Coffee Can” Question from last week regarding our emergency car heater project. With that under control, I have some great news as far as our listeners. The numbers are up! That has led to new directions for the podcast which I'll share at the end of this program. But first, Let's check on the status of 114. Connected to that stupidity, l want to look at how three major businesses shutting down locations are a microcosm of our overall...

Taking small steps to solve a big problem. Refill and reuse,keeping warm in a  stranded car and a look at long-term consequences of disasters. Cold Weather Survival in a stranded Vehicle https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9CwuVqRHW_8 (Stick matches vs BIC) Buried in a Blizzard? https://www.consumeraffairs.com/news/buried-in-a-blizzard-heres-a-five-dollar-emergency-heat-source-for-your-car-112614.html (Unscented candles!) Plus! How to refill a 1 lb propane bottle from a bigger...

With so much up in the air, this is just a short check in until we have more information. Come back next Monday for an In-Depth look at  the "why" this keeps happening. Classes are available.  All of what we posted last week is still correct, so if you missed it, give it a listen. I'll have more when it be comes available. Be safe! If you wish to subscribe to our newsletter or for questions and comments, email: [email protected] This program may be downloaded and shared for educational...

Lets take a look at some of the misinformation around Prop 114, and some of the long term issues relating to it. New information as posted on Monday. We will continue to keep you up  today as new facts come to light. A special thanks to both Phil Grammatica and C.J. Wolff for their assistance on this episode. This in on Monday:  http://www.oregonfirearms.org/things-change-fast Oregon Judges issues temporary hold. Here are some links for more detailed information on the pending ...

Prop 114 is causing, as expected, a lot of misinformation and upset, as well as a spike in gun sales to beat the arbitrary Dec. 8th deadline.  Today we look at some of the negative impacts, the lawsuits moving forward as well as, an unexpected side effect. A part of that has caused some misinformation concerning our Sheriff's Department and getting your CHL.  We want to correct that. We  stand behind Sherriff Sickler and his team and appreciate his long-term positive support. Time to  step...

This week, a few terse words on Prop 114, what it means at this point and thoughts  of what to do next. We begin with  class updates and news on our Holiday Gift Certificates. Election Information from:  https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2022-elections/oregon-ballot-measures If you wish to subscribe to our newsletter or for questions and comments, email: [email protected] This program may be downloaded and shared for educational purposes. It may not be resold, edited or used for other...

Looking at tending topics on the Internet, the Six Pillars of Survival and how to use a SWOT Analysis are creeping up the list.  Let's take some time this week to clarify just what that is, and how to put it to work for you. I've included some samples, and urge your to  build your own from there with your whole team. Last call to remind you: Please Vote no on 114! SWOT Analysis-Survival SWOT analysis- Business If you wish to subscribe to our newsletter or for questions and comments, email:...