DON’T MISS: WHERE YOU SHOULD BE BUGGING OUT TO

SURVIVAL PLANNING
FOR YOUR ELDERLY
RELATIVES

IN THIS ISSUE: FEBRUARY 2018

LOSING A FINDING WATER

TAIL IN YOUR CAR IN THE WILD

THE RIGHT WAY RABBITS

TO EVACUATE A AS A FOOD
BUILDING SOURCE

DO YOU HAVE START A

A HOME GARDEN
DEFENSE PLAN? WITHOUT DIRT

and more…
VIP SURVIVAL ACADEMY - FEBRUARY 2018

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Contents
WHERE YOU SHOULD BE BUGGING OUT TO
FEATURED One of the most common topics that comes up in survival circles is bugging out. Every man
and his dog seem to have a romantic notion of spending their days post-crisis in a remote…

FINDING WATER WHEN YOU’RE IN THE WILD

page 4 Without water, your chances of survival in the wild reduce dramatically. Dehydration can start
kicking in within a few hours, and after a few days you'll be on your death bed…

USING RABBITS AS A FOOD SOURCE

page 5 The one truth I can guarantee when the SHTF is that you're going to be hungry. There simply
won't be enough food to go around. Now I'm all for sustainable living, and I've spent…

HOW TO START A GARDEN WITHOUT DIRT

page 6 A few winter's back I built my first greenhouse, and it's one of the best moves our family has
made towards self-sustainability. But it wasn't the greenhouse alone that did it…

DO YOU HAVE A HOME DEFENSE PLAN?

page 8 Our country is no longer safe. Criminals are getting more brazen, and while your home is your
last refuge, there are many who simply do not care about the sanctity of your home…

LOSING A TAIL IN YOUR CAR

page 9 Car chases are a staple in movies today. Hollywood loves a good action scene, but in the real
world you're probably not going to be able to use anything you've learnt on the big screen…

SURVIVAL PLANNING FOR YOUR ELDERLY RELATIVES

page 10 When it comes to survival planning, you need a solution for every possible scenario, and
ensuring you've prepared for your elderly relatives is rather important. The trick to a good…

THE RIGHT WAY TO EVACUATE A BUILDING

page 11 When a disaster strikes, it can come hard and fast, which makes it critical you've got a plan in
place beforehand if you want to survive. If you spend any significant amount of time away…

ESCAPING FROM YOUR KIDNAPPERS

page 13 Being kidnapped is terrifying. It places you at the complete and utter mercy of those who have
taken you. And these are mostly likely not the friendliest individuals. I'm going to be honest…

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VIP SURVIVAL ACADEMY - FEBRUARY 2018

WHERE YOU SHOULD BE BUGGING OUT TO

One of the most common topics that If it doesn't, perhaps because you're Once you start getting out of the cities
comes up in survival circles is bugging living in a tiny apartment in the center into the more rural back-woods areas,
out. Every man and his dog seem to of the city, it might be worth buying a few acres actually gets
have a romantic notion of spending considering how you can take action affordable. Even if there's nowhere to
their days post-crisis in a remote cabin now to be a little safer when the SHTF. live. For a couple of thousand dollars
in the middle of the wilderness. A shift to a smaller city can greatly you can get a used trailer, and while it
increase your ability to sur vive, may not be pretty, you've not got the
But when it comes to auctioning these especially if you've got a little land you makings of your own bug out location.
plans, that's where they fall short. can use to become a more self-
sufficient household. A REMOTE PROPERTY YOUR
They've got the dream. FAMILY OWNS
But there's always a chance you need to
But they haven't yet turned it into a real bug out, and a smart survivalist is one If buying your own property is off the
survival strategy. with a backup plan for every scenario. cards, your next bet is to rely on a
When the SHTF and you need to friend or a family member who already
However, I'd like to exercise a word of evacuate your home, here's where you has an ideal bug out location.
warning here. can go.

Bugging out shouldn't be anywhere A REMOTE PROPERTY YOU

near the top of your priority list when OWN
the SHTF. It's a last resort, a plan you
execute when it becomes no longer safe
to stay at home.
This is the ideal situation. “Because
Because bugging out is extremely
A crisis has hit, and it's no longer safe
to stay home. So, you grab your
bugging out
dangerous. Extremely. You could get evacuation kits and your bug out bags,
caught up in traffic and stuck, hit road and head to that remote cabin you've is extremely
blocks and have your car searched, or purchased for this exact purpose.
even run into other survivors on the
road who want to take what you have. We've got a cabin on a few acres that
dangerous.
You never know. My advice is to only
we've slowly been working on, but this
was also a rather expensive endeavor. Extremely…”
bug out if it's absolutely necessary.
I know not everyone has the ability to
Your home should be in a relatively safe make purchases like this on the off-
area, that allows you to fortify and chance they need it in a disaster. But it
"hunker down" if a disaster strikes. doesn't have to cost a fortune.

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VIP SURVIVAL ACADEMY - FEBRUARY 2018

cont.

Depending on your family, I'll bet

you've at least one relative who is
currently living in a home (or owns a
second property), that's almost perfect
for your bug out plans. So, talk to them.
Forget weird family dynamics, when the
SHTF you'll be glad you had these
conversations in advance, and double
points if you had the foresight to store
a couple of suitcases of gear and bug
out bags there, ahead of time. Just in
case. For me, I've got a couple of boxes
"in storage" at my grandmother's
house, and there's a trailer parked in the
back of my parent's property that's
chock full of survival gear. My goal is
to have multiple options if a disaster
strikes, so we can cut and change our
plans as the situation demands.

AN ESTABLISHED PREPPER
COMMUNITY

Now these are a difficult to find, but it's

not impossible. The goal is to find and
join an existing group of survivalists.
That way, you can use their land and
facilities when the SHTF. Often, they
will be looking for new members (many
hands make light work), though it can
take time to earn their trust. I know
near to me there are two communities
like this, and I've bumped into their
members at both my local shooting
range, and in training groups I've
participated in. If you ask around you
will find a community you can join.

CREATE A COMMUNITY

But if not, you could always start your

own community. I'd talk to a few close
friends, as you've probably already got
an idea of who in your circles would
make a good addition and may
potentially be open to the idea. The
goal is to pool resources and purchase a
property that can be used as a bug out
location for the group when a disaster
strikes. Again, this strategy will take
time to execute, and there will be
challenges like getting the objectives of
the group sorted and setting the ground
rules. With the right people, this could
be the perfect arrangement. A bug out location doesn't need to be Of course, when a disaster strikes and
permanent, if you've got an area that's the world turns to chaos, your best
SQUAT IN A NATIONAL OR relatively remote it could prove perfect chance of survival is to hunker down
STATE PARK for a few days to a few weeks. The trick and stay put. Fortify your home and
is to prepare in advance, so you're not ride out the worst of the crisis with all
It's not ideal, but without other options completely without gear during the the gear, food and supplies you've
for your bug out I'd consider scouting crisis. I'm not gunna lie, there's a couple already stockpiled. The only time
and parks or state forests in your area of my favorite camping sites where I've bugging out makes sense is when it's no
that could suit. You want a location that buried small caches of gear as an longer safe to stay in your home, and if
has a number of different access routes, extreme last resort. That way, no matter this is the case it's important you know
as well as running water and decent what, we've got options when the where you're headed.
food sources. SHTF.

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LOOK FOR GREEN FOLIAGE

FINDING WATER The presence of water is usually also

WHEN YOU’RE accompanied with an abundance of
plant life. If you're scouting from a
IN THE WILD higher vantage point, you want to head
to any valleys or depressions that are
noticeably greener than the rest. If
you've no idea which direction to start
Without water, your chances of survival walking, my advice would be to head to
in the wild reduce dramatically. the top of a hill to get a better view of
Dehydration can start kicking in within the area. You never know what you'll be
a few hours, and after a few days you'll able to spot in the distance.
be on your death bed. It's that
important. For anyone planning to bug DIG FOR ROOTS AND TUBERS
out, or even just survivalists that enjoy
spending time outdoors, knowing how If you're struggling to find a running
to find water in the wild is critical. water source, it's time to look
Because you never know when there's underground.
an accident, crisis or major catastrophe,
that cuts you off from the safety net of Plants often keep their roots and tubers
civilization. full of water, and if you're able to dig Injure the plant too much and the water
these up it can give you enough to stave will simply continue to drain, and it'll be
LOOK FOR ANIMAL LIFE off dehydration. Just make sure you're empty the next time you need it.
not over-exerting yourself and burning
In a survival situation animals can be a more moisture than you're getting back. EXTRACTING WATER FROM
lifeline. Without the right hunting gear, VINES
it can be difficult to catch them for DIG OUT A DRY RIVERBED
food, but if you notice any signs or In a heavily forested environment, one
tracks, you can follow these paths to the Another water source is the riverbeds. of the best water sources is the vines
closest watering hole. Trust me, the Even if it's dried up, there's a chance hanging from the canopy. They store a
animals know where the water is. In an that deep underground the water table vast amount of water inside, and all it
arid environment, like a desert, look for is still high enough to access. Find the takes to harness it is to slice through
the paths the animals have left in the lowest section of the river, and dig out and drink the water that flows out like a
sand, and follow these to your a hole as far as you can reach. If this faucet.
salvation. In a hot, tropical technique works, water should soon
environment, you can be sure the start pooling in the bottom. Just be wary. If the water is milky or
animals won't stray far from their water there's sticky sap, I'd avoid drinking it
source. EXTRACTING WATER FROM and find another vine.
PLANTS
LOOK FOR THE BIRDS MELTING “OLD” SEA ICE
This trick I learnt in the arid bushland
Birds are another animal that can be of California. With little options for Most sea ice is undrinkable; thanks to
found flocking near water, so look up running water, one trick you can use is the large amounts of concentrated salt
every now and then and see if you can to cover the leafy branches of a sapling it contains. But there's a trick. Over
determine which general direction to with a plastic bag. The more leaves the time, these concentrations of salt are
head. Certain species like pigeons never better. The heat of the day will cause lost, which means it's possible to melt
stray far from water, which makes it condensation to form on the inside of "old" sea ice and get potable drinking
important to pay attention to what's the bag, and collect. You won't get water. What you want to look for is the
going on around you in a survival much from this technique, but in a dry blue tinge present in the ice, which is
situation. It can be easier to follow the area even a few mouthfuls of fresh usually a few layers down.
birds through the trees than spot water can keep you alive a little longer.
animal tracks in a heavily forested area. And the best part is you can drink it Oh, and don't forget the importance of
fresh, without needing to purify. purifying any water you drink. Unless
LOOK FOR THE INSECTS you've used condensation to extract
EXTRACTING WATER FROM pure water from plants, there's a chance
If you're faced with a serious lack of CACTI you'll be drinking contaminated water if
animal life, you can always turn to the you don't purify it first.
insects. The presence of mosquitoes is We've all seen the old Westerns, but in a
a sure sign there's a pond nearby, as dry environment the cacti can also be a Boiling is one way to kill any bacteria
they breed and flourish in stagnant life saver. Make a small cut and collect present, and used in combination with a
water. Flies will also stay close to a the water that drains, but be sure to boil water filter, you can also remove any
water source, and while they're a little it first. If you don't the acidic nature of particles or heavy metals present in the
more mobile, bees won't go more than the water makes it undrinkable. Oh, and water you've collected.
1000 meters from theirs either. Ants don't make your cut too deep if you're
too. If you spot any of these insects, it planning to rely on a single plant for an Which is important if you want to stay
probably means there's water in your extended amount of time. healthy, and survive.
area, so start looking.

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VIP SURVIVAL ACADEMY - FEBRUARY 2018

HOW TO BREED RABBITS?

Once your rabbits are at least six

months old you can breed them. It's
rather easy. Take one of your females
and put her in the cage with the male
for about an hour. Don't overdo it, as
she can get stressed and may even harm
the male. Repeat for a couple of days
and it's probably been successful. It
takes 31 days for a litter to be born,
you'll notice when the mother is
starting to nest as she'll start pulling out
her fur. Line their nesting box with hay,
and check on them regularly. You'll
need to provide more food and water,
and they'll be fine for the next several
weeks as the babies grow. I try to
stagger each litter of rabbits as I don't
want an oversupply of meat, and also
give the mothers a month or two of
rest after a litter is weaned before
breeding them again. This way I've got
a regular supply, without overdoing it.
I'm currently getting two litters a year
from each rabbit, though I could
probably push this to three (perhaps
USING RABBITS AS A FOOD SOURCE even four) if the situation demanded.

HOW TO BUTCHER A RABBIT?

The one truth I can guarantee when the WHAT RABBITS TO CHOOSE? The trick here is to be humane. A litter
SHTF is that you're going to be hungry. of rabbits will be ready for butchering
There simply won't be enough food to There's many different breeds of at about 10 to 12 weeks. I’ve found the
go around. Now I'm all for sustainable rabbit, but ultimately, I went with quickest way to dispatch a rabbit is to
living, and I've spent considerable time Californian Rabbits for my livestock. break its neck, killing it instantly. If
ensuring our homestead makes as little Each produces about 8 pounds of you're concerned here you could also
environmental impact as possible. And meat, and if you're really looking to be look into purchasing a compressed air
part of this is having alternative sources sustainable you can also dry and cure gun like the abattoirs use, there are a
of fresh meat. Because my stockpile the rabbit skin and fur. The other types couple of different models like the Ted
won't last forever. So, I started farming of rabbit chosen for meat production and the Zephyr that are recommended
rabbits. are the New Zealand White, and the for use with small animals.
Flemish Cross. All of these would be a
I get it. I've also been told off by a good choice. Once the rabbit is dispatched, hang it
number of friends because "How could securely from its hind legs and give it a
you possibly eat something so cute," HOW TO RAISE THE RABBITS? good wash. With a sharp knife make a
and I agree. They are cute. But they're slit at the ankles, cutting around the tail,
also a great source of protein. Pound Setting up your rabbit farm is easy and peel the skin back from the meat.
for pound rabbits are one of the easiest enough. I bought three female "does" This should come off in a single piece,
types of livestock to raise. and two male "bucks." You could which you can set aside to cure and use
probably get away with just one in any other projects. Then take your
- They're herbivores and low-maintenance. breeding pair, but I'd not raised rabbits knife and cut from the anus to the
- They need far less cage space than chickens before and I got a deal buying five. Go chest, opening the cavity yet being
- You can use the manure to fertilize a garden figure. You've got to keep the rabbits in careful not to slice open any of the
separate cages, the most common type internal organs. Remove all the guts,
But that's not even the best part. A being a wooden "hutch" that has wire and once you're done give the rabbit
couple of breeding rabbits will produce flooring allowing the droppings to fall carcass another good clean. And you're
anywhere from 150 to 200 pounds of through. I bought these from the rabbit done.
meat over a year. And rabbit meat tastes supplier. In hindsight, I could have
great. Just be careful. Their meat is so probably made these out of scrap Looking back, I am pleasantly surprised
lean that eating it exclusively can be bad materials and wire mesh from my shed, at how easy it is to farm rabbits.
for you, as you're not getting the but I was eager to get started. Once I
essential fats needed in your diet. So got my rabbits home I simply placed All they need is a stable supply of
always supplement with other natural each hutch out on our grass in a nice vegetable scraps and greens, and you'll
fats, like nuts, avocado, salmon, olive oil shady spot, so they could nibble on the quickly have more rabbit meat than you
and whole eggs. We need balanced grass along with the hay, veggie scraps know what to do with. And that's a
diets, and eating one source exclusively and rabbit food you need to feed them. very good thing. Because it's delicious.
is not a good idea. Oh and water too.

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VIP SURVIVAL ACADEMY - FEBRUARY 2018

HOW TO START A GARDEN WITHOUT DIRT

A few winter's back I built my first Plus, everything we grow tastes far I've used PVC pipe in the majority of
greenhouse, and it's one of the best better than what you buy in the store. my system, as it's cheap and easy to
moves our family has made towards And it's not that difficult to get started. connect.
self-sustainability. But it wasn't the
greenhouse alone that did it. It was the WHAT YOU NEED FOR Holes cut into the top of the pipes
hydroponics system the greenhouse AQUAPONICS provide a gap for each potted plant to
contained. It's like gardening on sit in, and the water to flow through. I
steroids. Once you've set aside a space to setup use a combination of tree bark,
the aquaponics system, a trip to your sphagnum moss and gravel in each pot,
Seeing my success with this means of local hardware store can get you to give the plants enough structure for
farming, I've been fielding questions everything you need for a simple setup. their roots to take hold.
from my survivalist buddies ever since.
The most common, is how to setup This is what I did, and it came out far Be careful of packing the pots too
and actually start a hydroponic system. cheaper than buying a kit. Albeit it's a tight, as you want the water to flow
Because it allows you to grow much little rougher. through so the roots can extract the
more produce, much more effectively needed nutrients.
than you can in a field. And it works Initially we had a pure hydroponics
year-round. system, however after a few months we
swapped out the endless fertilizer we
H e ck , yo u c o u l d e ve n s t a r t a needed to add to the water for fish. It's
hydroponics farm in your basement, much easier to manage, is cheaper, and
with the right ventilation and lighting I like to believe it's also a bit more
your plants will thrive. ecofriendly.

Plus, it also means I've got a rather

“It’s like
And that could make all the difference
when the SHTF. large supply of tilapia on hand, just in
case we're ever in need of fresh protein.
gardening
For me, there's a few reasons I wanted
to start experimenting with this type of Operating a system is straightforward. on
farming. Primarily, my fields needed a
rest. They'd been farmed basically non-
stop by the previous owners of our
You need a frame for your rows of
plants, a way to flush water through the
steroids…”
homestead, and we wanted to bring a roots of each plant. A tank to store the
little balance back to the land. Plus, water and grow your fish, and a pump
hydroponics would allow us to control system to send the water flowing
every element within the garden, and throughout the aquaponics system.
also grow far more crops.

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VIP SURVIVAL ACADEMY - FEBRUARY 2018

cont.

Then it's simply a matter of keeping my

fish fed, and running the pump. It's on
a timer (it's a purpose bought pump for
aquaponics), that flushes the system
with water every 45 minutes or so.

The waste from the fish adds vital

nutrients back into the water, which is
then absorbed by the plants. Apart
from the food for the fish, the system is
entirely self-contained.

Then you just need to sit back and let

your plants thrive.

BEST CROPS FOR AQUAPONICS

There's many different types of plants

that grow well in an aquaponics setup,
at the moment I'm growing lettuce,
spinach, and strawberries.

Oh, and there's also an entire section

dedicated to tomatoes. I make a mean
tomato salsa and I'm canning the excess
for my stockpile.

In general, herbs do really well in

aquaponics systems, and you can also
grow vegetables like eggplant, beans,
squash and asparagus.

The beauty of these types of systems is

they can produce crops reliably, year-
round, so long as you've got enough
healthy fish giving your plants the
nutrients they need.

If your vegetables aren't growing as

bountiful as you'd expect, you may need
to get more fish. They're probably not
getting enough nutrients.

CHOOSING LIGHTS FOR YOUR

AQUAPONICS SYSTEM

This is only an issue if you're setting

your plants up indoors, or are
somewhere with a particularly cold and
dark winter.

Plants need light to grow, and if they

don't get enough naturally you're going
to need to add artificial light. We've not
needed this as our greenhouse gets I chose tilapia as they're a hardy fish I love gardening. There's just something
more than enough sun, but if you're that's also tasty. Of course, you could soulful about growing your own
constructing your system indoors it go with any freshwater fish here, carp, produce that you then eat at your own
becomes very important. Without light, goldfish and even catfish are common table. It also makes your home a little
your plants will go into hibernation choices, but as a survivalist I like my more sustainable, and it gives you
which will greatly reduce their yield. preparations to have multiple uses. And something to do. Everyone should
I'd much rather eat tilapia in a disaster grow their own food, and I for one, am
CHOOSING FISH FOR YOUR than goldfish. We've currently got enjoying my regular supply of fresh
AQUAPONICS SYSTEM about 50 healthy tilapia spread across greens and vegetables.
10 different aquaponics systems. Which
The final step is choosing the fish to is a ton of protein if the SHTF and the
stock in your aquaponics system. supermarket shelves are stripped bare.

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VIP SURVIVAL ACADEMY - FEBRUARY 2018

DO YOU HAVE A HOME

DEFENSE PLAN?

Our country is no longer safe. Criminals are getting more brazen, and while your home is your last refuge, there are many who
simply do not care about the sanctity of your home. If they want what you have, they will come. From home invasions to robbery,
it's up to you to ensure you've got adequate defenses in place to stop these wanton criminals.

SECURE YOUR HOME

Install a home alarm system that will sound a loud siren anytime the entry points are breached, or it is not deactivated in time.
Often burglars will avoid homes simply because they don't want to risk getting caught by the authorities, and even if they do break
in, they know they've got limited time before the police arrive. Giving you a chance to survive.

KEEP AN EYE OUT

Criminals thrive in the dark. Where they can operate unseen and without getting noticed. One of the key steps in your home
defense plan is to eliminate this. We've installed floodlights that light up as soon as someone steps in their path, and have security
cameras installed at both our front and back doors, and covering the garage. If there's anyone lurking about, we get notified on the
app via our smartphone, and can decide the next steps to take.

FORTIFY YOUR HOME

It seems silly, but this is the most important step. You want there to be no weaknesses in or around your home. For us, we've got a
fenced off yard and a rather large gate you need to open to gain entry to our property. Each entry point is a reinforced and solid
wood door, and we've made it a habit of keeping these locked. Our windows have security grills that are kept locked, while letting
the breeze flow through. Basic precautions like this are what makes your home less of a target to any opportunistic criminals.

GET EXPERT ADVICE

One trick you can use to get a second opinion is to have your home security company come and do an audit of your property.
They've got expert advice on the most common ways criminals break in, and may be able to give you a couple of pointers in better
securing your property. Like cutting any plants back that could conceal someone near your front or back doors.

BUILD A SAFE ROOM

Of course, if you're caught by surprise and there's someone in your home, you need to ensure you've got a safe room to hide in.
For us, it's the master bedroom, and we've taken steps to fortify this room as well. The door is reinforced, and we've also got a
small arsenal of firearms should it come to that.

BE COMFORTABLE WITH YOUR FIREARMS

Having weapons is a great start, but if you're not confident using them you're more likely to give the home invaders the advantage.
It's important you're comfortable using a gun, so invest in a course and make it a regular habit to get down to the shooting range.
Your reaction times and speed could be what keeps your family alive, along with keeping your guns in easy reach should you need
them. I've got a pistol that's on my person or locked in my nightstand, and a much larger arsenal in our gun safe in our safe room.

HAVE AN ESCAPE PLAN

Finally, you want to ensure that no matter what, you've got an escape plan. Our bedroom is on the second floor, and while the
windows are barred we can also open this from the inside and use a rope ladder to get to the ground. Just in case. You never know
what lengths the intruders will go to once they realize they can't get to you. One of my biggest fears is being trapped in our home
while a fire rages below. You want to be able to get out, and get out fast. So have an escape plan.

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VIP SURVIVAL ACADEMY - FEBRUARY 2018

But this isn't always possible. Here’s

what to do next.

FIND A WAY TO ESCAPE

The first step is to use your local

knowledge of the area to escape.
Perhaps there's a park you can cut
through or a driveway that goes
through to the block behind. If you're
on a more agile vehicle like a quad or a
motorbike, use this to your advantage.
Just be careful. You don't want to push
it too hard and cause an accident.

FIND SOMEWHERE TO HIDE

Here we use your surroundings to get

out of sight.In traffic, try to weave
between the cars and use larger vehicles
like buses or trucks to place a barrier
between you and the car behind. Time
it right, and you may be able to escape
off an intersection or exit without your
tail immediately noticing.

BRACE FOR THE SKID

LOSING A TAIL IN YOUR CAR This is a move often executed by police
teams in high-speed car chases, and will
cause the car to spin out of control. It
Car chases are a staple in movies today. The first is to do a soft loop. If you're works when those in the following car
Hollywood loves a good action scene, in a downtown or city area with lots of align their front wheels with the back
but in the real world you're probably crossroads, make a series of four wheels in your car. Then a quick ram
not going to be able to use anything consecutive left (or right) turns. This sideways will push the back of your
you've learnt on the big screen. Which will drive you in a rough loop, that vehicle out, sending you into a spin. In
presents a real and present danger. brings you back to where you started. It an aggressive car chase pay attention to
is very unlikely that anyone would do those following you, and if they try this
What do you do if there's a car this on purpose, and if the car behind you can either accelerate, or hit the
following you? keeps on your tail it's a good bet they're brakes and get in a position to execute
following you. this maneuver on their car.
NEVER DRIVE TO YOUR HOME
The second is to vary your speed. The BE WILLING TO FIGHT BACK
The first rule when you're being goal here is to make some pretty drastic
followed is to stay away from your changes to your speed, and see what the The first step involves showing your
home. In a grid-down scenario you're car behind does. Try changing lanes and weapon, but be warned. Doing so is a
simply leading those behind to your dropping your speed by 20 to 30 mph. crime in most states, and it can also
stockpile. I don't care if there's 20 If they drop back too, wait a few trig ger those following to start
people from your survival group minutes and speed back up. If they're shooting. Do this when you have no
waiting to defend you, never, ever give still behind you matching your speed, other option. But it's also rather
away your bug out location. Because it's a good bet you're being followed. difficult to shoot accurately from a
once the bad guys know where you are, moving vehicle. If you can, aim for the
all they need to do is come back with WHAT TO DO WITH YOUR TAIL windshield, their tires, and any
enough firepower to take it by force. assailants hanging out the windows
And no one is going to come out of Before the SHTF I'd recommend you shooting back at you.
that aftermath any good. This also goes drive to a secure location. Like the local
for everyday life. If there's a creep police station. Give them a call on your Car chases in real life are nothing like
tracking you down, don't go to your cell and let them know what's the movies.
house. You're arming a potential stalker happening and head straight to their
with valuable intel. Instead, you've got parking lot and follow their If you suspect you're being followed
to lose your tail. instructions. Get on the horn and let the safest move is to avoid going to
them know you're outside, and sit back your home, and take steps to try and
DETERMINE IF YOU’RE and let the police handle the situation. lose the car that's behind. If you're
ACTUALLY BEING FOLLOWED You could also drive to a secure particularly concerned a defensive
complex like a gated university parking driving course can boost your
Before you let paranoia set in, there's a lot, a fire station, or even a trusted confidence behind the wheel, and as
couple of quick exercises you can do to friend's house who is aware of what's someone who has done his fair share,
see if you're actually being followed. going on. they're also really fun. Stay safe people.

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VIP SURVIVAL ACADEMY - FEBRUARY 2018

We've got anti-inflammation pills along

SURVIVAL with cannabis oil for her arthritis, and a
PLANNING FOR whole heap of cold and flu medicine as
even one night on the road and she
YOUR ELDERLY develops a cough. I've also packed
RELATIVES painkillers in case she takes a tumble
and I've got a few extra series of
antibiotics just in case. Oh, and a few
months' worth of her heart medication.
When it comes to survival planning,
you need a solution for every possible If there's any specific medical
scenario, and ensuring you've prepared conditions your elderly relatives have,
for your elderly relatives is rather make sure to account for this in your
important. The trick to a good survival plan. Diabetes is a common ailment for
plan is ensuring it's comprehensive seniors to develop, and if it affects your Extra underwear. Comfortable walking
enough that it covers each member in loved ones you must have a plan. The shoes. A jacket. A pair of glasses. And a
your family. goal is to have contingencies in place so few laminated pictures of the family.
that these medical conditions don't Plus, it's got all of her medical supplies
And getting old is a fact of life. We'll all slow you down or set you off-course inside, prescription meds, insurance
get there eventually, and I believe it's when the SHTF. details and the contact details of her
your role as a survivalist to do doctors. That way she also feels like
everything in your power to keep your HAVE A SURVIVAL STOCKPILE she's taking care of herself, which is
loved ones alive. Unless you're wanting important. Oh, and don't forget a
to leave Grandma to fend for herself, Much like any survival plans, having a means of self-defense. The elderly are
there's a few things I recommend backup generator with enough fuel to often targeted, so having a firearm (and
getting organized. And don't delay, keep your power going is a smart move. being able to use it) is a smart move.
some of these items are critical to Along with food, water, medical
ensuring your loved ones are safe in a supplies and everything you would need BE ABLE TO COMMUNICATE
disaster. No matter how old they are. to live for a few months with the entire
grid down. The only caveat here for the When a crisis hits you want to be able
Now a good starting point is your own elderly would be to ensure the foods in to get in touch immediately, so I'd
sur vival plan. Star t here, with your stockpile are soft and easy to eat, recommend getting them a two-way
identifying the risks in your area, and you've got tools like an easy-to-use radio so you can connect. We've set my
building a stockpile of supplies and an can opener. grandmother up with a CB radio, along
escape route should it be necessary to with a rather large base antenna. A cell
evacuate your home. But there's a few STAY MOBILE AND BE ABLE phone is also good, but be warned
more things I'd recommend. TO EVACUATE these can go down if the network is
congested. I've also got her a solar
SECURE MEDICINE FOR Keeping your body fit becomes a powered radio, so she can tune in and
COMMON CONDITIONS challenge as you get older, as you listen to any important safety messages
simply start to slow down. But when the powers' out.
Of course, as you age your body breaks encourage your elderly relatives to stay
down. Which can leave you fragile, with in shape. A daily walk with their dog, an KNOW THE SURVIVAL PLAN
a host of medical conditions that could hour gardening, or anything you can
be challenges to your survival prepping. encourage them to do to get off their When a crisis hits things are going to be
Based on what my grandmother needs, couch and keep active is a win. The complete and utter chaos. Not only will
I've added a few precautions to my kit. more mobile they are, the easier it will the streets not be safe, the aftermath of
be to evacuate when the time comes. the disaster can take the grid down, and
Don't let your relatives live a sedentary cause widespread damage and
lifestyle. I'd also recommend investing destruction that takes months to
in hiking poles or a walking stick to give recover from. It's therefore critical your
“these items them an additional balance, or if
needed a walker is also an excellent
elderly loved ones know what to do
when a crisis hits. Obviously hunkering
choice. If they're immobile and rely on down is the best option, and if they
are critical an electric wheelchair or scooter, ensure
you've got a backup battery that's fully
need to bug out ensure they know to
either wait for you, or to meet you at a
to ensuring charged, along with a manual (non-
electric) alternative just in case.
predetermined location.

your loved PUT TOGETHER A SENIOR

Survival planning for your elderly
relatives is rather similar to making your
BUG OUT BAG own survival plans. The trick is to think
ones are My grandmother can't carry much, but
long-term, and ensure you've got
everything you need to keep them fit,
safe… that doesn't stop her from wanting to
help. So, we've put together a bug out
happy and healthy, even as they age.
Get these in order, and you'll be well on
kit for her that's light enough for her to your way to helping them survive, no
carry, and is packed with a few matter what.
comforts for her.

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VIP SURVIVAL ACADEMY - FEBRUARY 2018

THE RIGHT WAY TO EVACUATE A BUILDING

When a disaster strikes, it can come Often, these routes will be highlighted Take only what's within arm's reach,
hard and fast, which makes it critical on a map that's next to the fire exit and start evacuating as fast as possible.
you've got a plan in place beforehand if doors, underneath a neon EXIT sign.
you want to survive. You can replace belongings.
If I'm somewhere new, taking even just
If you spend any significant amount of thirty seconds to orient myself with the FOLLOW A SAFE ROUTE TO
time away from your home, perhaps in escape routes is a smart move, because THE EXIT
an office building or your school, it's you just never know what may happen.
important to know what to do if there's When a disaster hits you want to be
an emergency. HAVE AN EVACUATION KIT getting out of the building as quickly as
HANDY possible, but I'd also recommend
Even a rough idea of a plan will help knowing a few different escape routes.
you get out of a bad situation as fast as Having a go-to evacuation kit is
possible. something I recommend everyone Of course, you're definitely going to
setup. w a n t t o a vo i d u s i n g a n y t h i n g
K N O W T H E E VA C UA T I O N mechanical, like the lifts, as these will
ROUTE Mine doesn't take up a whole lot of easily fail in a fire or a power outage.
space, and it's tucked in under my desk,
The smartest thing you can do when out of sight but within easy reach if I You should also avoid trying to escape
you enter any new building is to know ever need it. In my opinion, I'd much through makeshift areas. Like through
and take a little time to study the rather have the right items to get out of the kitchens, as these are filled with gas
evacuation routes. the building safely. and cooking materials that could pose a
bigger risk to your safety if they ignite.
Of course, you're going to know how Don't waste time collecting anything
to get back to where you came in, but more than your evacuation kit. I usually The safest route is usually the fire
there will often be a fire escape or stick my everyday carry in here when I escape, so look for the signs, and start
stairwell you can take to get to safety if get to the office, so it's ready to grab heading down the stairs as fast as you
this route is blocked. and go in seconds. can. Speed can make a big difference.

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VIP SURVIVAL ACADEMY - FEBRUARY 2018

WHAT’S IN MY EVACUATION KIT

Flashlight. I'm not trusting the lights on the internal stairwell to work, so it's important to have another
source of light if we do need to evacuate in the dark. It's completely internal, without a flashlight we'd be
trying to navigate the stairs blind if the emergency power hasn't kicked in.
Whistle. In addition to the strobe feature on my, having a decent whistle is a good investment in your
emergency kit. If you're trying to signal for help, or happen to get trapped inside the building, it can alert
any first responders that you're still inside.
Crowbar. This got me a weird look when I first brought it in through security, but I told them it was to
open a jammed cupboard and they waved me through. In a disaster, this is probably going to be your
most valuable tool. To open jammed doors, break through internal glass walls, and help you break
through any areas where the exits are blocked.
Work gloves. You don't want to be trying to clear debris, broken glass, and everything else with your
bare hands, so invest in a decent pair of work gloves. They should be durable enough to protect your
palms from injury, as you'll be no help to anybody if you get your hands injured.
Fire extinguisher. I've been told I'm overdoing it with this addition, but I've got a compact (car-sized)
fire extinguisher prepared and ready in my evacuation kit. That way, if an exit is blocked or someone
needs help, I can quickly douse the flames and get through. It's only a small one, but I see it as critical.
Dust mask. After years working construction, I can honestly tell you concrete dust sucks. It gets into
everything, and you can be sure if there's any kind of damage to the build you won't want to be
breathing it in. Buy a decent dust mask and keep it in your emergency kit.
Safety goggles. The last item on the list is to protect your eyes. If you're blinded by smoke, dust and
debris you're not going to be of any help to anyone, so buy a good pair that have both an anti-fog
coating, and form a tight seal around your face to protect against any smoke.

It goes without saying that you should GET CLEAR OF THE BUILDING If you've got any insights on what's
be collecting anyone along the way who happening inside the building let the
has started to panic or shut down with Once you've made it to ground level authorities know, then get well clear of
fear. and are safe from immediate danger, the area.
don't stop there. Depending on the
Pick them up, dust them off, and bring situation, my advice is to get at least a Evacuating a building safely is all about
them with you. They'll usually comply, couple of blocks away. The first stop being prepared in advance, so you can
but make sure that whatever you're though is if there's a designated get clear fast.
doing to help them doesn't put you in meeting place. Stop by and make sure
danger. Your first priority is to get out your colleagues know you've made it Having the right gear can help you
of the building, and your family comes out alright, and what the next steps are. speed up the escape process, and the
first. But that doesn't mean you need to If there's any first responders like best time to start getting this organized
push others out of the way as you police or the fire department on the is right now. You never know when a
evacuate. scene, check in with them and let them real disaster will hit.
know if you, or anyone with you was
Be civil people. injured during the evacuation.

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VIP SURVIVAL ACADEMY - FEBRUARY 2018

ESCAPING FROM YOUR KIDNAPPERS

Being kidnapped is terrifying. It places SCREAM TO GET ATTENTION FIND A PUBLIC PLACE
you at the complete and utter mercy of
those who have taken you. And these Your first means of defense is to raise As you're running, look for the most
are mostly likely not the friendliest the alarm. Scream, and try to enlist the public place you can find.
individuals. I'm going to be honest, help of any bystanders who may give
getting kidnapped puts you in a you the chance to overpower your Your kidnapper is very unlikely to
precarious position. It's often a life or attacker and escape. Shouting "fire" continue pursuing you if you've headed
death situation. But before you start works better than "help", and if you've into a mall or a place with lots of
plotting your own escape you need to got the ability to smash any glass, do it. people. Which will give you the chance
consider the why. The sound carries and may draw more to call the police while those around
attention than your cries alone. you discourage the kidnapper from
WHY HAVE YOU BEEN TAKEN? trying anything else.
BE WILLING TO FIGHT BACK
If it's for a financial ransom, and They may even simply leave once they
assuming your family has the means to If you're somewhere that no help is realize you're no longer an easy target.
pay it, you need to realize your coming, it may be up to you to fight
kidnappers are going to operate like a back and save yourself. Your very life
business. You're probably safest if you may depend on it, so don't hold
sit tight and wait for the money to anything back. Using tools like pepper
come through. If, however you've been spray or a strikelight can give you an
captured as a political prisoner, as part edge in a fight, targeting the most
of a human trafficking ring, or simply
caught the eye of a sadistic psychopath,
vulnerable areas on your opponent. Go
for the throat, the eyes, the genitals and “the initial
you're better off trying to escape. You hit as fast and hard as you can.
never know what kind of torment
they'll submit you to if you don’t. GET READY TO RUN
kidnapping
WHEN TO ACTUALLY ESCAPE Once you've got the opportunity to
is your best
escape, it's going to involve running.
The initial kidnapping is your best Most likely, they'll have a vehicle they chance of
chance of escape, especially if it's going were intending to restrain you in, so pay
down in a public place. Of course, if
your attackers are in your home it can
attention to which car is theirs. Then
run in the opposite direction. If you
escape…”
be difficult to follow these steps, your can cut through any areas their car
focus then should be on escaping your cannot pass, like the wheel stops in a
restraints and getting out of your home parking lot, use these to put distance
to get help. between you and your kidnapper.

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VIP SURVIVAL ACADEMY - FEBRUARY 2018

cont. ESCAPING ROPES ESCAPING FROM A CAR

But fleeing the initial kidnapping isn't Getting out of ropes requires a little If you've been taken, you're most likely
always possible. deception on your part. When you're to be stuffed in the trunk of a car. But
being tied, the trick here is to act it's still not hopeless. Many cars have an
Perhaps they surprised you. compliant, while actually creating a emergency release mechanism to pop
small gap between your wrists. the trunk, and if it doesn't you could
Or overpowered you. always use the jack (tucked in the side
Present your fists with knuckles panel) to force it open, or to kick out
The next step is to break free from pointing towards your kidnapper, that the rear taillights in the hope someone
your restraints so you can escape. conceals the gap between your arms. notices your arm sticking out and calls
Try to keep your arms as close to your the authorities.
ESCAPING HANDCUFFS stomach as possible, and once you're
alone start twisting your arms to widen Being kidnapped is a scary thought.
Getting out of handcuffs is relatively the gap until the rope slips off your
straightforward with the right materials. hands. If you've not been able to escape the
initial grab, it's important to keep your
There's shoelace caps that are handcuff ESCAPING DUCT TAPE AND wits about you. Pay attention to where
keys, and I've also got a single key I've ZIP TIES you've been taken, any intel you can
bought and keep on my keychain. gain from those who have taken you,
Getting out of duct tape is relatively and force yourself to stay positive.
You can also buy rings that conceal straightforward, it just requires a little
shims, which is a thin strip of metal momentum. If your arms are restrained When the opportunity to escape
that inserts between the handcuff teeth stretch the tape as tight as possible, presents itself, you need to be ready to
and locking pawl, allowing it to be raise your hands above your head and take it.
slipped open. swing them down to hit your stomach.
You need to do it hard for it to work, You may not get a second chance.
Without these, you can also pick the but the force of the impact will cause
lock with a hairpin, but I'd recommend the duct tape to tear, and you'll get your
doing a little practice first. It takes time hands free. You can use a similar
to get the knack for it. technique to break zip ties.

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