I was reading a post from one of the networks I often frequent because of the relevancy of their content and had to comment on it. The original post was from the american preppers network I encourage you to read it
http://www.americanpreppersnetwork.com/2010/01/what-is-prepper.html
It spelled out beautifully not only the word “prepper” but the “IDEA” of a prepper. The author did a fantastic job complete with analogies! It brightened up my morning and of course I felt compailed to post a comment and here it be matey!
I also like the word “prepper” it allows for easier dialog, let me explain.The media over the years has painted “Survivalist” as ner do wells, the best example of this is the uni-bomber.
The Media has been successful in the erroneous portrayals of all Survivalist by the actions of a few thus, leaving a bad taste in peoples mouth when rolling the words survivalist off their tongue.
Hence the word “Preppers” Bravo!!!
“Prepper”, is a pleasant word that is Peppy in it’s annunciation and dare I say quaint to use. It invokes a slight smile when being spoke aloud. A kinder gentler word if you will, and allows the conversation to continue without the newby thinking your an apocalyptic, mad max crazy nut job preaching the end of the world and starting a commune stock piling guns, ammo and girl scout cookies because thin mints are a staple!
Instead it allows you to communicate the necessity of being prepared for even the smallest of emergencies. Also by the introduction of a quaint little word we can use it it to seek out and network with like minded people and educate those whom wish to be educated, remember sheep are easily frightened.
A “prepper” who prepares for their survival is arguably a survivalist to some degree or another……..welcome to the dark side…..we have cookies!
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Thar's a Northern A Blow'in Matey
Cold Weather is here and with it brings the potential of injuries that we are not exposed to at any other time of year. Some of the injuries can be serious and even life threatening. So although we are sea faring pirates you land lubbers should observe some precaution when working and playing in the weather. Some of the cold weather injuries are Hypothermia, frostbite, frostnip, snow blindness, chilblains and even trench foot!
When exposed to cold weather, we lose heat in a variety of ways. These include:
· Radiation is the loss of heat through exposed surface area (skin and head).
It is rumored that up to 70% of all your heat loss is from your head, Poppy cock! This is a myth that has been busted numerous times the realistic percentage is more like 15 to 30 percent. I suppose it depends on how much area you have uncovered and how big your noggin is. I also do not want to negate the importance of covering your noggin and frankly any exposed skin has the potential to be damaged by the cold so common sense say cover up!
· Conduction is the loss of heat due to the transfer of heat via direct contact between the body and objects such as wet clothing or steel/metal objects. So common sense says limit your exposure to these objects. Avoid wet clothing or if you get your clothes wet then get out of them as soon as possible. Yes, it would be funny if your running buck naked in public however, let me remind you of the aforementioned radiation, exposed surface of skin. You naked, although a funny mental image deems not so good in our winter wonderland (not ot mention state and local laws)! So for all our sakes get out of the wet clothes and put on some dry clothes, thank you.
· Convection is the loss of heat via motion; wind chill is an example of convection. Arctic air that is super chilled and then makes contact to your exposed skin, refer to naked in public addressed in above paragraph.
· Evaporation, which is the loss of body heat due to water, perspiration, etc. taking away heat from the body as it dries. In summer months when you sweat the perspiration is meant to be our bodies air conditioner. It wicks the heat out of our body and cools us as it dries in the winter your body acts the same way does the exact function but in the winter it could prove to be detrimental to you. So think of it this way Perspiration, it is exactly the same, except different.
There are several precautions you can take to avoid Hypothermia a condition that occurs when the body’s core temperature is below normal. Here are some common sense suggestions:
· Wear several layers of clothing rather than one or two bulky layers. Air gets trapped between the layers and will act as insulation thus, adding even more layers between you and Jack Frost trying to "nose your nips"!
· Always wear at hat and a scarf. Remember a lot of heat loss goes right through your head, heat rises you know? The hat and scarf are making a fashion comeback so have fun with it.
· Avoid wet clothing, shoes, socks and gloves. Yep sounds a lot simpler than it is to implement. I work out in the weather and wet shoes and gloves are just a part of it so I use water resistant boots and neoprene gloves. In also have used those cheap plastic gloves you can buy 100 for a buck and put them on under the laether gloves to reduce the moisture getting to my skin. I have on hand spare pairs of socks and gloves so I can change them out if they get wet. For most of you just avoid it and all will be well me hearty’s.
· Drink warm liquids like tea, hot coffee or chocolate. Your not supposed to drink alchoholic beverages because it contributes to heat loss as well does caffeine however, I think they believe they expect that the sugar in the coffee tea and cocoa will help your body generate body heat. So what if you’re like me and do not drink tea, coffee or cocoa (without Irish Cream)? We are screwed, riots in the street, worldwide panic of biblical proportions, cats and dogs sleeping together, complete pandemonium. Well that may be an exaggeration, so how about we caffeine free fiends? Drink some sports drink or simple water if your not into the sugars and crap. Keep in mind dehydration is still a concern in the winter, I don’t mean to sound like a nancy, but, it could happen! If it doesn’t kill you it will make you look stupid because you read this and you know better! Stay hydrated matey and you’ll sail another day.
· Wearing gloves, scarves and or a face mask (except in a bank) can help avoid frost bite or frost nip by covering the exposed skin, seems like common sense right? Sure but there are countless reports of Frostbite and frostnip each year not all of them can be amung the stupid! Just maybe they got caught off guard.......yea, we will go with that.
Watch for signs and symptoms of Hypothermia, referred to as the “Umbles”.
· stumbles, fumbles, mumbles and grumbles
· Stumbles – Light to severe shivers and dazed and confused consciousness. Shivering is the body’s defense against Hypothermia. The muscles of the body use the shivering action to attempt to generate heat around the vital organs by expending energy.
· Fumbles - Loss of fine motor skills and coordination, most noticeable in the hands.
· Mumbles - Slurred Speech
· Grumbles – Irrational behavior ,
sounds like me at new years eve but thats a different post.
Should you observe anyone with these symptoms, or experience them yourself, you should first try to reduce the heat loss. Try to conserve the heat that is present and replace the body heat that is being burned up to generate heat by adding layer:
· Adding layers of clothing. If you do not have additional clothing then in some cases skin to skin contact can transfer your body heat to the effected person’s body in an effective manner. (if you are female this is my personal method of choice!)
· Increase physical activity if mild hypothermia is present (such as continuing to shiver, running in place or cleaning your kitchen, scrubbing is could cardio).
· Change out of any wet clothing as soon as possible. (woohoo back to buck naked!)
· Find shelter to help block the wind or trap heat. (presumably you have put your clothes back on)
· Add fuel and fluids by eating foods high in carbohydrates and fats or commonly referred to as energy food. If you can drink warm liquids it will help warm the body from the core. It is also rumored that you can place a pat of butter in your maouth to desolve and your body will kick into overdrive to process it, bisquits are optional but tasty!
· If possible add heat from an outside source for example the car heater a flame or any other heat source, even hand warmers can help even a little but it may make the difference. Don't forget the skin to skin contact, my favorite.
When severe Hypothermia has occurred then immediate medical attention is needed. If possible wrap the subjects in a shell of total insulation wrap them like a mummy with blankets. If you do not have ready access to blankets then Paper, cardboard, carpet, tarps and anything else you can get your hands on think mummy in layers. Then seek medical assistance immediately.
Frost Bite is more severe then Frost Nip. Both occur when circulation is reduced to the extremities allowing heat loss. The area may be pale, cold, and may be numb. Frost Nip is generally reversible by re-warming the area by brushing your teeth and gently blow warm air across the affected area or place it on a warm part of your body such as under your arms or between your legs. The more severe Frost bite should be examined and treated by medical personnel. Common sense says wearing gloves, insulated socks, scarves and hats covering sensitive areas susceptible to frostbite is a smart thing to do! But we dont always use common sense do we? Regularly perform self checks for cold areas, wet feet and/or numbness. If at any time you discover a cold injury stop what you are doing and re-warm the area. Don’t wait, remember countless numbers of reported cases of Frostbite started with Frost nip you know the less severe reversible kind.
Snow blindness:
The usually temporary sometimes permanent dimming of sight caused by the glare of reflected sunlight on snow.
In order to avoid Snow Blindness and freezing corneas and eyelashes always wear goggles, sunglasses or sun shields to protect your eyes. Snow Blindness can even occur during a snow storm if the cloud cover is thin. If you do develop snow blindness, it will generally feel your eyes are dry and irritated as if they are full of sand, not unlike welder’s burn if you know what that is. Moving or blinking becomes painful, light hurts and the eyes may swell. The treatment includes cold compresses, a dark environment and do not rub. Sounds like nap time to me!
Chilblain:
Chilblain is a non freezing cold injury which, while painful, causes little or no permanent impairment. It appears as red, swollen skin which is tender, hot to the touch, and may itch. This can worsen to aching, prickly pins and needle type sensation, and then numbness. It can develop in only a few hours in skin exposed to the cold.
Prevent further exposure.
Remove wet, constrictive clothing.
Wash and dry affected areas gently
Elevate and cover with layers of loose, warm clothing and allow re-warming. (Pain and blisters may develop, and we will call that stupid tax!)
Do not pop blisters, apply lotions or creams, massage, expose to extreme heat, or allow subject to walk on injury.
Refer for medical treatment
Trench foot:
Trench foot is very similar to Chilblain and occurs when your feet are cold and damp while wearing constricting footwear. Unlike frostbite, trench foot does not require freezing temperatures and can occur in temperatures up to 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Trench foot can occur with only twelve hours of exposure. When affected by trench foot, the feet become numb, followed by a change in color to red or blue. As the condition worsens, the feet may swell. Advanced trench foot often involves blisters and open sores, which lead to fungal infections. In such cases trench foot is also known as “jungle rot”. If left untreated, trench foot usually results in gangrene and then requires amputation. If treated properly and in a timely manner, complete recovery is normal, but recovery is marked by sever short term pain as feeling returns. (also referred to as a stupid tax!)
Trench foot is easily prevented by keeping the feet warm and dry, also by changing your socks frequently when feet cannot stay dry.
When exposed to cold weather, we lose heat in a variety of ways. These include:
· Radiation is the loss of heat through exposed surface area (skin and head).
It is rumored that up to 70% of all your heat loss is from your head, Poppy cock! This is a myth that has been busted numerous times the realistic percentage is more like 15 to 30 percent. I suppose it depends on how much area you have uncovered and how big your noggin is. I also do not want to negate the importance of covering your noggin and frankly any exposed skin has the potential to be damaged by the cold so common sense say cover up!
· Conduction is the loss of heat due to the transfer of heat via direct contact between the body and objects such as wet clothing or steel/metal objects. So common sense says limit your exposure to these objects. Avoid wet clothing or if you get your clothes wet then get out of them as soon as possible. Yes, it would be funny if your running buck naked in public however, let me remind you of the aforementioned radiation, exposed surface of skin. You naked, although a funny mental image deems not so good in our winter wonderland (not ot mention state and local laws)! So for all our sakes get out of the wet clothes and put on some dry clothes, thank you.
· Convection is the loss of heat via motion; wind chill is an example of convection. Arctic air that is super chilled and then makes contact to your exposed skin, refer to naked in public addressed in above paragraph.
· Evaporation, which is the loss of body heat due to water, perspiration, etc. taking away heat from the body as it dries. In summer months when you sweat the perspiration is meant to be our bodies air conditioner. It wicks the heat out of our body and cools us as it dries in the winter your body acts the same way does the exact function but in the winter it could prove to be detrimental to you. So think of it this way Perspiration, it is exactly the same, except different.
There are several precautions you can take to avoid Hypothermia a condition that occurs when the body’s core temperature is below normal. Here are some common sense suggestions:
· Wear several layers of clothing rather than one or two bulky layers. Air gets trapped between the layers and will act as insulation thus, adding even more layers between you and Jack Frost trying to "nose your nips"!
· Always wear at hat and a scarf. Remember a lot of heat loss goes right through your head, heat rises you know? The hat and scarf are making a fashion comeback so have fun with it.
· Avoid wet clothing, shoes, socks and gloves. Yep sounds a lot simpler than it is to implement. I work out in the weather and wet shoes and gloves are just a part of it so I use water resistant boots and neoprene gloves. In also have used those cheap plastic gloves you can buy 100 for a buck and put them on under the laether gloves to reduce the moisture getting to my skin. I have on hand spare pairs of socks and gloves so I can change them out if they get wet. For most of you just avoid it and all will be well me hearty’s.
· Drink warm liquids like tea, hot coffee or chocolate. Your not supposed to drink alchoholic beverages because it contributes to heat loss as well does caffeine however, I think they believe they expect that the sugar in the coffee tea and cocoa will help your body generate body heat. So what if you’re like me and do not drink tea, coffee or cocoa (without Irish Cream)? We are screwed, riots in the street, worldwide panic of biblical proportions, cats and dogs sleeping together, complete pandemonium. Well that may be an exaggeration, so how about we caffeine free fiends? Drink some sports drink or simple water if your not into the sugars and crap. Keep in mind dehydration is still a concern in the winter, I don’t mean to sound like a nancy, but, it could happen! If it doesn’t kill you it will make you look stupid because you read this and you know better! Stay hydrated matey and you’ll sail another day.
· Wearing gloves, scarves and or a face mask (except in a bank) can help avoid frost bite or frost nip by covering the exposed skin, seems like common sense right? Sure but there are countless reports of Frostbite and frostnip each year not all of them can be amung the stupid! Just maybe they got caught off guard.......yea, we will go with that.
Watch for signs and symptoms of Hypothermia, referred to as the “Umbles”.
· stumbles, fumbles, mumbles and grumbles
· Stumbles – Light to severe shivers and dazed and confused consciousness. Shivering is the body’s defense against Hypothermia. The muscles of the body use the shivering action to attempt to generate heat around the vital organs by expending energy.
· Fumbles - Loss of fine motor skills and coordination, most noticeable in the hands.
· Mumbles - Slurred Speech
· Grumbles – Irrational behavior ,
sounds like me at new years eve but thats a different post.
Should you observe anyone with these symptoms, or experience them yourself, you should first try to reduce the heat loss. Try to conserve the heat that is present and replace the body heat that is being burned up to generate heat by adding layer:
· Adding layers of clothing. If you do not have additional clothing then in some cases skin to skin contact can transfer your body heat to the effected person’s body in an effective manner. (if you are female this is my personal method of choice!)
· Increase physical activity if mild hypothermia is present (such as continuing to shiver, running in place or cleaning your kitchen, scrubbing is could cardio).
· Change out of any wet clothing as soon as possible. (woohoo back to buck naked!)
· Find shelter to help block the wind or trap heat. (presumably you have put your clothes back on)
· Add fuel and fluids by eating foods high in carbohydrates and fats or commonly referred to as energy food. If you can drink warm liquids it will help warm the body from the core. It is also rumored that you can place a pat of butter in your maouth to desolve and your body will kick into overdrive to process it, bisquits are optional but tasty!
· If possible add heat from an outside source for example the car heater a flame or any other heat source, even hand warmers can help even a little but it may make the difference. Don't forget the skin to skin contact, my favorite.
When severe Hypothermia has occurred then immediate medical attention is needed. If possible wrap the subjects in a shell of total insulation wrap them like a mummy with blankets. If you do not have ready access to blankets then Paper, cardboard, carpet, tarps and anything else you can get your hands on think mummy in layers. Then seek medical assistance immediately.
Frost Bite is more severe then Frost Nip. Both occur when circulation is reduced to the extremities allowing heat loss. The area may be pale, cold, and may be numb. Frost Nip is generally reversible by re-warming the area by brushing your teeth and gently blow warm air across the affected area or place it on a warm part of your body such as under your arms or between your legs. The more severe Frost bite should be examined and treated by medical personnel. Common sense says wearing gloves, insulated socks, scarves and hats covering sensitive areas susceptible to frostbite is a smart thing to do! But we dont always use common sense do we? Regularly perform self checks for cold areas, wet feet and/or numbness. If at any time you discover a cold injury stop what you are doing and re-warm the area. Don’t wait, remember countless numbers of reported cases of Frostbite started with Frost nip you know the less severe reversible kind.
Snow blindness:
The usually temporary sometimes permanent dimming of sight caused by the glare of reflected sunlight on snow.
In order to avoid Snow Blindness and freezing corneas and eyelashes always wear goggles, sunglasses or sun shields to protect your eyes. Snow Blindness can even occur during a snow storm if the cloud cover is thin. If you do develop snow blindness, it will generally feel your eyes are dry and irritated as if they are full of sand, not unlike welder’s burn if you know what that is. Moving or blinking becomes painful, light hurts and the eyes may swell. The treatment includes cold compresses, a dark environment and do not rub. Sounds like nap time to me!
Chilblain:
Chilblain is a non freezing cold injury which, while painful, causes little or no permanent impairment. It appears as red, swollen skin which is tender, hot to the touch, and may itch. This can worsen to aching, prickly pins and needle type sensation, and then numbness. It can develop in only a few hours in skin exposed to the cold.
Prevent further exposure.
Remove wet, constrictive clothing.
Wash and dry affected areas gently
Elevate and cover with layers of loose, warm clothing and allow re-warming. (Pain and blisters may develop, and we will call that stupid tax!)
Do not pop blisters, apply lotions or creams, massage, expose to extreme heat, or allow subject to walk on injury.
Refer for medical treatment
Trench foot:
Trench foot is very similar to Chilblain and occurs when your feet are cold and damp while wearing constricting footwear. Unlike frostbite, trench foot does not require freezing temperatures and can occur in temperatures up to 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Trench foot can occur with only twelve hours of exposure. When affected by trench foot, the feet become numb, followed by a change in color to red or blue. As the condition worsens, the feet may swell. Advanced trench foot often involves blisters and open sores, which lead to fungal infections. In such cases trench foot is also known as “jungle rot”. If left untreated, trench foot usually results in gangrene and then requires amputation. If treated properly and in a timely manner, complete recovery is normal, but recovery is marked by sever short term pain as feeling returns. (also referred to as a stupid tax!)
Trench foot is easily prevented by keeping the feet warm and dry, also by changing your socks frequently when feet cannot stay dry.
Be Ye Prepared
I found myself reading a blog I often frequent when perusing the internet. This particular blog was titled “Are you prepared against organized evil?” This blog primarily spoke about organized street gangs and focused mainly on the MS-13 gangs of America and Central America. While I really loved reading her blogs and she was right on the money as usual but I found myself scratching my head when I read the comments posted by readers of this article. One stated “because of past events he would take swift lethal action against the perpetrator”. An ex big city cop stated “these gang members are not human”! A self described former liberal says “he is applying for a Conceal carry permit and training with firearms”. And yet another brings up that he and his family are “far removed from this type of situation” going on to talk about how they warn their friends and families that do live in the areas, the gangs are a real threat and the response was “they are not in my area” which I find ironic because he lead his post with a similar statement. I agree mostly with the author in being prepared is just that, being prepared, for all types of situations. The entire article was well put together and made for an interesting read although, I personally don’t see the MS-13 thugs hanging around my neighborhood selling dope or running whores but I am not so naïve to say for certain they are not there in the city that I work in or commute through. I am extremely glad to see people of like minds reading this post as information/Intel is part of the preparedness process; however, with knowledge comes responsibility and so the hard work begins. The question, what do I do with this knowledge? The Author chose to teach or share the knowledge with the readers. Your job is to pass on this knowledge through the written and spoken word as well as through examples of practice. I would suggest to the person who claims swift possible lethal actions to concentrate on the operative word “Possible” because if you have never been faced with a “lethal force” situation then truly you do not know. You should practice these situations not only at the gun range firing rounds through your favorite firearm but mentally go through scenarios, in your car, in your house, in your office. Go through scenarios that involve your family and exercise these scenarios with your family members as well as others in the unprepared world because with a Concealed weapons permit you also except responsibility to those aforementioned morons. The ex- big city copper stated that these gang members “are not human” I absolutely agree! I also would submit to you that you should not view them as such. You need, through the scenario process, handle these scenarios as if handling them in real life. The military trains relentlessly on any given scenarios. Sports team practice over and over again because you will play like you practice. It is a difficult decision to take the life of another human being, but as we previously discussed these are not human so you must treat them as if they were rabid dogs with no remorse or concern for you or your loved ones. You must be absolute in your resolve when dealing with them. Many train to retreat, some train to wound only to aid their retreat, few train to end the conflict with immediate absolution. WE have established that the gang members are ruthless in their actions and have absolutely no regard for your life or the lives of your loved ones, I am certain you have no doubt that should you be confronted by them if given enough time you would act. The training process is to train you on how to conduct yourself when not given enough time. What would you do if they were robbing, beating, raping or killing someone else and you just happened to have your personal carry weapon on you at the time? What would you do if these gang members kick in your door to perform a home invasion, what would you do if they car jacked you? What would you do if they had you wife, husband, daughter or son? These are relatively easy questions to answer but tougher to put into action. Let’s say you practice or “drill” over and over again. Your friends and family will call you crazy and that’s okay because I would rather be called crazy than be called by an officer telling me news I don’t want to hear. The fellow that isn’t faced with this situation as of yet and is well trained for this type of incursion for the safety of his wife and children and of course his country I say amen brother Living the country life is cool if that’s what you can do but, think of this, we all interact with the “city dwellers” through work or community and it is our charge to teach and practice with those whom are not as fortunate as we the “Country folk” because I too am well trained and prepared however, It is said the MS 13 make up over 100000 strong and that is only one gang there are plenty more maybe not so reprehensible but, none the less a gang maybe looking to make their bones on you or some other innocent just meandering by the soda shop. I would presume when the shit hits the fan that number will increase and as it is also said they are gonna come looking for the items they are lacking, even if they have to go through you and me to get it. I did an inventory and even if I had well placed shots I don’t have 100000 rounds. I believe you intent is pure in your statement but I find many that I teach often make statements similar to those you have made because it makes them to feel strong or perhaps it allows them to ease into the reality of what they are saying. I applaud the authors task of teaching the masses and will continue to read her columns with enthusiasm. I would however like to add something to all that read. It is something to read an article and agree with it and yet it is quite a different matter to read an article and act upon it. In parting I would like to leave you with this reminder, you are not alone and Life is no more than a series of consequences that could be shifted by the actions of one individual that could inspire many to unite over one common goal and that person could be you.
signed
Salty Dawg
Docked at
The Pirates Republic.com
signed
Salty Dawg
Docked at
The Pirates Republic.com
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