1/28/13

Book Review: The Prepper Next Door

The Prepper Next Door, by Charlie Palmer, HCM Publishing, 2012, 314 pages, $19.95

This book was sent to me at no charge, by the author, for my review.

The Prepper Next Door is chock full of useful information, presented in an easy to read, conversational writing style.  Charlie breaks it down into 15 logical chapters on topics ranging from "The Prepper Porta Potty" to "Of Fireblocking And Basements" to "Not Everybody's Cut Out To Raise Chickens."

Looking through my copy, I have probably 25 pages with the  corners turned down for some great tidbits of information, or especially humerous side comments.  In the chapter on flashlights, Charlie discusses the pros, cons, and specs for a variety of different models, all of which is good, useful information.  Then, to lighten the detailed read, he drops, "nothing else says, 'What the Hell are you doing here?' as well as 1,000 lumens."  He includes numerous web resources and downloadable documents such such as the USDA Complete Guide to Home Canning, among others.  The information in this book makes it valuable to the novice or experienced prepper.  The writing style makes it enjoyable to read for anyone. Because the author presents so much of the information in a non-threatening, good for everyday emergencies as well as major disasters and even WROL situations.

I whole-heartedly recommend, The Prepper Next Door, by Charlie Palmer as a gift for that novice or non-preppin friend, and for yourself.  Everyone will learn something from it.  It is also available on Kindle for $9.95.

1/21/13

New Prepper Resource

I got an email from a fellow named Dennis Evers offering the first 50 folks to visit his blog, Preparedness is Fundamental, a free copy of his e-book, How to Handle a Crisis.  I really like the blog, nice photos, and good, solid, "how to" information. It's definitely on my regular read list.

Here's the info release on the blog:


New Resource for “Hands-On” Preppers

Preppers are typically “hands-on” kind of people, and with that in mind, a new website; “Preparedness is Fundamental”, has just been launched that features articles and short how-to videos on prepping for anyone that doesn’t mind getting their hands dirty. One video shows you how you can secure as many perfectly good batteries as you want for free while another walks you through the easy construction of a super bright, rugged 12 Volt LED prepper light for around $6.00.

Other information includes how to build a solar generator, gardening, free prepper materials and discount codes, while upcoming videos and how-to articles deal with a serious homemade smoker for under ten bucks, LED security lighting, long term food storage, seed preservation and more.

To the first 50 visitors “Preparedness is Fundamental is offering a free eBook; “How to Handle a Crisis” (a $4.99 value) which deals with all types of disasters, terrorism, CBRNE, medical crises and survival.

1/17/13

They Work For Us!

Letters To My Congressman and Senators Going Out Today


January 17, 2013
The Honorable Eric I. Cantor
Rm. 303
Cannon House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
 
Congressman Cantor:
 
I am a Marine Corps veteran, a retired law enforcement officer, and currently the chief of security for one of the largest public school divisions in Virginia.  I am also a life member of the National Rifle Association and the Single Action Shooting Society.  I enjoy recreational and competitive shooting of both modern and historic pistols, rifles and shotguns.  My wife, Charlotte, is a budding skeet and trap shooter.  We keep and carry firearms for home and personal defense.  Our guns have never been used to “assault” anyone, and never will be.  I have used my pistol defensively, both as a police officer and as a private citizen.  I’m thankful that I never had to fire one at another person, but the mere possession and display ended the threats I faced.
 
The president is pushing for numerous gun control measures that are not only un-Constitutional, but are morally repugnant.  Guns are the only area where many want to punish the law-abiding and restrict possession of inanimate objects simply because an evil or deranged person might use a similar item or because it has a particular appearance.  The AR-15 and AK47, in semi-automatic form, have been on the market with standard 20-30 round magazines for well over 50 years.  Functionally, they are based on technology that was readily available in the earliest part of the 20th century.  I was a police officer during the Clinton “assault weapon” ban and I know that it had no effect on reducing crime.
 
I urge you to lead the fight in Congress against any new gun control laws.  They will not prevent any crime, and will only lead to make criminals out of law-abiding gun owners.  Demand that current laws are enforced… prohibited persons must be prosecuted if they lie on form 4473 or if they are found to be in possession of a firearm.  Project Exile works!  Demand that straw buyers are charged and held accountable for their actions.  Demand that strict, additional penalties are given to criminals who use firearms in the commission of a violent felony.  Please use your leadership role to protect our rights.
 
Sincerely,
Donald R. Green, CPP, CEMA
 
 
January 17, 2013
The Honorable Mark R. Warner
Rm. 475
Russell Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
 
Senator Warner:
 
I am a Marine Corps veteran, a retired law enforcement officer, and currently the chief of security for one of the largest public school divisions in Virginia.  I am also a life member of the National Rifle Association and the Single Action Shooting Society.  I enjoy recreational and competitive shooting of both modern and historic pistols, rifles and shotguns.  My wife, Charlotte, is a budding skeet and trap shooter.  We keep and carry firearms for home and personal defense.  Our guns have never been used to “assault” anyone, and never will be.  I have used my pistol defensively, both as a police officer and as a private citizen.  I’m thankful that I never had to fire one at another person, but the mere possession and display ended the threats I faced.
 
The president is pushing for numerous gun control measures that are not only un-Constitutional, but are morally repugnant.  Guns are the only area where many want to punish the law-abiding and restrict possession of inanimate objects simply because an evil or deranged person might use a similar item or because it has a particular appearance.  The AR-15 and AK47, in semi-automatic form, have been on the market with standard 20-30 round magazines for well over 50 years.  Functionally, they are based on technology that was readily available in the earliest part of the 20th century.  I was a police officer during the Clinton “assault weapon” ban and I know that it had no effect on reducing crime.
 
You have a solid record of defending the 2nd Amendment and gun owner rights.  I urge you to continue this support and lead the fight in the Senate against any new gun control laws.  They will not prevent any crime, and will only lead to make criminals out of law-abiding gun owners.  Demand that current laws are enforced… prohibited persons must be prosecuted if they lie on form 4473 or if they are found to be in possession of a firearm.  Project Exile works!  Demand that straw buyers are charged and held accountable for their actions.  Demand that strict, additional penalties are given to criminals who use firearms in the commission of a violent felony.  Please use your leadership role to protect our rights.
 
Sincerely,
Donald R. Green, CPP, CEMA
 
 
 
January 17, 2013
The Honorable Timothy M. Kaine
Rm. B40C
Dirksen Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
 
Senator Kaine:
 
I am a Marine Corps veteran, a retired law enforcement officer, and currently the chief of security for one of the largest public school divisions in Virginia.  I am also a life member of the National Rifle Association and the Single Action Shooting Society.  I enjoy recreational and competitive shooting of both modern and historic pistols, rifles and shotguns.  My wife, Charlotte, is a budding skeet and trap shooter.  We keep and carry firearms for home and personal defense.  Our guns have never been used to “assault” anyone, and never will be.  I have used my pistol defensively, both as a police officer and as a private citizen.  I’m thankful that I never had to fire one at another person, but the mere possession and display ended the threats I faced.
 
The president is pushing for numerous gun control measures that are not only un-Constitutional, but are morally repugnant.  Guns are the only area where many want to punish the law-abiding and restrict possession of inanimate objects simply because an evil or deranged person might use a similar item or because it has a particular appearance.  The AR-15 and AK47, in semi-automatic form, have been on the market with standard 20-30 round magazines for well over 50 years.  Functionally, they are based on technology that was readily available in the earliest part of the 20th century.  I was a police officer during the Clinton “assault weapon” ban and I know that it had no effect on reducing crime.
 
You have a record of alienating gun owners and attacking the 2nd Amendment.  I urge you to change your views and lead the fight in the Senate against any new gun control laws.  They will not prevent any crime, and will only lead to make criminals out of law-abiding gun owners.  We can all agree that violent felons and the mentally deranged should not possess firearms.  They are already addressed in the current laws, yet those laws are not enforced.  Demand that current laws are enforced… prohibited persons must be prosecuted if they lie on form 4473 or if they are found to be in possession of a firearm.  Project Exile works!  Demand that straw buyers are charged and held accountable for their actions.  Demand that strict, additional penalties are given to criminals who use firearms in the commission of a violent felony.  Ensure that the states provide accurate criminal history and mental health records to the NICS system.  Please use your leadership role to protect our rights.
 
Sincerely,
Donald R. Green, CPP, CEMA
 
 
 
These people are elected to serve and work for us.  Make your thoughts heard!

 

1/13/13

When It's Time To Change...

You've Got To Rearrange...

Of course, I take today's title from a classic episode of The Brady Bunch.  I think it is time for If It Hits The Fan to change.  Over the past 2 and a half years, you have taken time to come here and see what I have to say, over a quarter million times.  Unfortunately, that has taken a lot of time, about 2-3 hours a day.  With my long commute, I'm away from home almost 12 hours a day, and I just can't keep it up.  I need to devote more time to my own preps.  I want to spend more time with my wife.  I want to shoot my guns more, and shoot more video for the YouTube channel.

I've also got some other things in the works.  I have the opportunity to write some articles for one of the survivalism magazines out there, as well as a publisher that wants me to submit a draft of a book.  There just aren't enough hours in the day.  On top of all of that, since the Sandy Hook attack, my professional life has taken off and responsibilities have increased at work.  Soon, I'll have some big news in that area.

If It Hits The Fan isn't going anywhere.  I'll still get some content out to you once a week or so.  It's just that I've got to change my focus and priorities.

I'm really grateful to all of you who have made If It Hits The Fan such a success, and my sponsors are truly amazing.

Times are going to tough in 2013.  Our economy is collapsing... our rights are being stolen away... the flu season looks like it is going to be nasty...  natural disasters are striking in new and severe ways.  Preparedness is a valuable life skill and life style.  There are some fantastic web resources out there to help us all learn how to improve our skills and build community.  I'm hoping that you'll continue to include If It Hits The Fan as one of your resources, but check out the others as well.

Thanks for an amazing ride for these past 2 and a half years, and I look forward to more with you.

Donald