DON’T MISS: HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT MARTIAL ART

TIPS TO CUT DOWN

ON YOUR BUG OUT
BAGS WEIGHT

IN THIS ISSUE: FEBRUARY 2019

USING A SIMPLE WAYS TO

FIRE EXTINGUISHER TRAP AND COOK
AS A WEAPON CRAWFISH

DON’T MAKE SURVIVAL

THESE MISTAKES LESSONS FROM
IN A CRISIS THE HOMELESS

ADD THESE LONG- STAYING WARM

LASTING FOODS TO WHEN CAMPING
YOUR STOCKPILE OUT IN THE COLD

and more…
VIP SURVIVAL ACADEMY - FEBRUARY 2019

Contents
. C

CHOOSE THE RIGHT MARTIAL ART FOR EFFECTIVE SELF DEFENSE

FEATURED Knowing how to defend yourself is a critical survival skill. If someone intends you harm, or
wants to take what you have, knowing how to throw a punch and fighting back may be the…

USING A FIRE EXTINGUISHER AS A WEAPON

page 4 You never know when a situation will go from bad to worse. Late last year I spent the better part
of a week at the hospital as my wife gave birth to my daughter, but I was on edge the whole…

SIMPLE WAYS TO TRAP AND COOK CRAWFISH

page 5 When I was a kid one of my favorite things to do was to go "flipping rocks" in the steam to see
what lurked underneath. More often than not we'd find a couple of crawfish, and they'd be…

SURVIVAL LESSONS YOU CAN LEARN FROM THE HOMELESS

page 6 I'm not ashamed to admit I had a pretty low point in my life many years back. After losing my
job my home was to follow, as it’s hard to keep up on rent checks without any cash coming in…

STAYING WARM WHEN CAMPING OUT IN THE COLD

page 8 I love camping, but when the temperature starts to drop it can get miserable fast in your
campsite. It doesn't matter how beautiful that scenery is, without proper preparations you risk…

HOW TO BUG-OUT WITH YOUR KIDS

page 9 When the SHTF and you need to evacuate your home, things are going to get tough. Bugging
out should only ever be a last resort, despite what many survivalists like to dream about…

DON’T MAKE THESE MISTAKES IN A CRISIS

page 10 When the SHTF the decisions you make will ultimately determine whether you live or die. One
wrong choice, and suddenly your life is on the line. Of course, there's plenty of things you…

ADD THESE LONG-LASTING FOODS TO YOUR STOCKPILE

page 11 I've been working on my survival stockpile for years. Slowly adding a tin of food here, some
extra supplies there. It's at the point now where I've probably got enough food tucked away…

TIPS TO CUT DOWN ON YOUR BUG OUT BAGS WEIGHT

page 13 The first bug out kit I packed must have weighed 50 pounds. I stuffed everything I could into it,
and for good measure even tied a few bits of gear to the outside. Proud of myself, I couldn’t…

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VIP SURVIVAL ACADEMY - FEBRUARY 2019

CHOOSE THE RIGHT MARTIAL ART FOR EFFECTIVE SELF DEFENSE

Knowing how to defend yourself is a But knowing how to fight if you're in a The creator took the best pieces of
critical survival skill. situation where you've only got your Muay Thai, Brazilian Ju Jitsu and a
fists is important too. You don't want handful of other disciplines, combining
If someone intends you harm, or wants to be completely vulnerable when the most effective defensive techniques
to take what you have, knowing how to you're unarmed, right? into Krav Maga.
throw a punch and fighting back may
be the very thing that keeps you alive. MUAY THAI The whole focus of the training is to
develop your instincts and reflexes, and
Most aggressors are looking for an easy Muay Thai is my favorite martial art to you'll practice defensive moves while
win, a victim that can quickly train as it requires so much speed and attacking.
overpower, and putting up a fight may stamina.
just tell them you're not to be messed Survival is the priority here, and in Krav
with. Sometimes referred to as kickboxing, Maga you'll even learn to target the
there are some subtle differences. most vulnerable areas of the body.
You should learn a martial art. But
they're not all the same. Of course, they Different to Western-style kickboxing,
will all train you on ways to defend you'll learn how to effectively use knee
yourself, but some are a little more and elbow strikes, as well as clinching.
effective than others when it comes to It's a very fast martial art, and if you
using your skills in the real world. Want also practice sparring you'll learn very
to find out what you should be quickly how to defend yourself from a
studying? variety of different attacks. “You don’t
We'll get to that. But first I just want to
mention one thing.
The downside to Muay Thai is the lack
of training on the ground, and you'll
want to be
A truth that overrules everything you
get very little practice defending and
disarming actual weapons. completely
will learn studying martial arts.
Weapons, like a firearm, or even a knife, KRAV MAGA vulnerable
pepper spray or a taser, are infinitely
more effective as a self-defense tool
today. A gun has range, speed, and can
After Muay Thai, this is one of my
favorite martial arts.
when you’re
take down an attacker before he even
gets close to throw a punch. In Hebrew the name translates into unarmed…”
"contact fighting" and this style of
You need to include self-defense training is what the Israeli Defense
weapons in your survival stockpile. Forces uses to train.

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VIP SURVIVAL ACADEMY - FEBRUARY 2019

cont.

The downside is it can be difficult to

find a good trainer. Many fitness classes
are incorporating "Krav Maga" into
their offer, but it's really just a watered-
down form of boxercise.

Find a proper gym and learn the real

techniques, Krav Maga is one of the
best martial arts you can learn.

BRAZILIAN JU JITSU

If you've watched any mixed martial

arts on television, you'll have seen
techniques from Brazilian Ju Jitsu.

It's primary focus is throws, locks and

choke holds, that you can use to
takedown your opponent and put them
out of commission. You'll learn how to
do complex submission holds to render
an attacker immobile or unconscious,
so you can escape.

The downside is there's little time spent

on strikes, and you won't learn how to
disarm armed attackers. Plus, in a group
situation you risk your safety when
you're trying to choke out one
opponent and the other attacks you
while you're on the ground.

TRADITIONAL BOXING

Knowing how to throw a strong and

fast punch is vital in a fight. But not
only that, you'll condition your body
and also learn great footwork, so you
can quickly step in and engage during a The downside is the techniques. I tend JUDO
fight, striking only when the time is to feel MMA is just a little "flashy" (for
right. want of a better word) and you'll not With similarities to Brazilian Ju Jitsu,
get any practice dealing with armed Judo is focused on locks, pins, choke
I'd highly recommend you practice attackers. holds and what's especially fun,
sparring while learning to box, as it throwing your opponent to the ground.
hones your senses and helps you react KARATE In a fight, if you can take your
faster when someone is attacking you. opponent's feet out from under them
I studied karate as a kid, learning one and toss them on the ground, you've
The downsides to boxing are that it of the most popular martial arts got the upper hand. Most attackers
uses your arms only. In a street fight throughout my childhood. won't even know how to defend
you can expect kicks, stomps and more, themselves against you.
and you need to be prepared for these I also grew up watching the karate kid,
too. and I'm not ashamed to say it The downside is you won't learn any
influenced the decision. In addition to striking, kicking or punching with Judo,
MIXED MARTIAL ARTS learning a host of different strikes and it's mostly all throws and submission
kicks, you'll be taught how to effectively holds.
With the rise of popularity of the UFC, block, and even disarm attackers
mixed martial arts has quickly become coming at you with a weapon. Plus, you Ultimately the best martial art to learn
one of the most sought-after martial feel a little badass when you start isn't a single discipline. If you want to
arts to learn. learning how to punch through wooden only do one thing for self-defense I'd
boards. choose Krav Maga, but if you've the
You'll learn how to do choke-holds and time and inclination a little time spent
locks like Brazilian Ju Jitsu, alongside The downside to karate is that it's no in the Muay Thai gym, along with
flashy strikes and big takedowns. In longer seen as "cool" compared to practice on the Brazilian Ju Jitsu mats
your training you can expect a lot of some of the other techniques, and they will give you a variety of different
sparring and hands-on practice, and it teach very little on defending yourself fighting skills you can use to defend
will get you very fit, very fast. once you're on the ground. yourself in all situations.

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VIP SURVIVAL ACADEMY - FEBRUARY 2019

USING THE SPRAY OF A FIRE

USING A FIRE EXTINGUISHER

EXTINGUISHER Most ABC fire extinguishers have a

AS A WEAPON range of 15 to 20 feet, which is
awesome for self-defense. You can
engage and spray with more distance
than if you were to use pepper spray or
You never know when a situation will mace, and the concentration of the
go from bad to worse. Late last year I powder will result in a thick, choking
spent the better part of a week at the cloud that incapacitates your attacker.
hospital as my wife gave birth to my
daughter, but I was on edge the whole Plus, it burns like hell in your eyes and
time. You see, I wasn't allowed to carry throat.
my gun in the wards. And that left me
feeling just a little vulnerable. Because I If you're looking to defuse a bad
had nothing to defend myself. situation, from an active shooter to an
attacker with a knife, use the spray of
But after yet another late-night stroll to your fire extinguisher. It'll usually shock
the vending machines, I spotted a fire them enough for you to take further
extinguisher. Then another. Despite not action.
being able to arm myself, there's much WHAT IF YOU SPRAY
to be said about the humble fire Take hold of the fire extinguisher with YOURSELF?
extinguisher as a self-defense weapon. your dominant hand on the grip. Use
Without a gun, in an active shooter your other to support it (two hands on Fights don't always go to plan, and if
situation you need whatever is on hand your weapon makes it harder for your you happen to cop a face full of
to fight back, and nearly every public attacker to take it from you), pull the chemicals from a fire extinguisher it's
building will have fire extinguishers. pin and start spraying. You should be no fun either.
aiming for the attackers face and eyes,
Be smart, and you can easily save your and continue to spray until the fire The first step is to flush the affected
life. Here's how. extinguisher is empty. It can take 20 or areas with water, and do it fast. The
30 seconds for this, so be ready. chemicals can cause temporary and
WHAT KIND OF FIRE permanent blindness in your eyes, so
EXTINGUISHER Once the canister is empty, I'd close in take at least 15 to 20 minutes of
and try to neutralize the threat. flushing to clear this out. If you don't
First, you need to understand there's improve, go to the emergency room.
different types of fire extinguishers. USING A FIRE EXTINGUISHER
Because they're designed to put out AS A BLUNT OBJECT If you've breathed the fumes, you need
fires, you've got fire extinguishers for a to get out and into fresh air. Leave the
whole range of fires. Putting out an oil Most fire extinguishers weigh about 5 room where the fire extinguisher was
fire in a kitchen (Class K) requires a pounds, so its a great bludgeoning tool. deployed and get outside. If your
different kind of plan than tackling an victim loses consciousness, or stops
electrical fire in a server room (Class I'd not recommend getting close until breathing, perform CPR until they start
D). What you're looking for is the big, you've drained the fire extinguisher functioning again.
red fire extinguisher. (why get close if you've still got the
ability to disorient an attacker at range), If you've swallowed the chemicals, you
It'll list on the side that it's suitable for but once it's empty you need to disable could be in trouble. Milk can help
either Class A, B or C. This fire them. offset the effects, and lots of water will
extinguisher is packed full of powdered help to flush the chemicals from your
chemicals to put out the fire. That's Of course, if you're able to sneak up body, but I'd recommend contacting a
what you want. from behind and you've the element of poison control center or heading into
surprise, you may be able to take down the emergency room, just in case.
I should also note that the ABC fire an attacker fast. Put your dominant
extinguishers are the most popular ones h a n d o n th e g r i p o f th e fi r e Of course, before you decide to try
in use today, as they spray a very fine extinguisher, and use your other as a using a fire extinguisher for self-
chemical called monoammonium guide. Then much like how a breach defense, it's probably a good idea to
sulfate to extinguish a fire. It's the swiss tool is used to smash open a door, learn how to use one properly.
army knife of fire extinguishers, and you're going to want to use a similar
most probably the ones you'll find. technique with the canister. Just Your local fire station will have a fire
remember. You will need both hands to safety course you can join (they teach
If there's no ABC fire extinguisher do this, and if the attacker still has a you how to properly operate and use
available, look for a CO2 one. Foam, weapon you will not have a way to different kinds of extinguishers, and
clean agent, and all the other types of block it. My advice would be to use the provide a wealth of information on the
fire extinguishers just aren't effective few seconds you've got after your different types), so sign up and learn a
(they don't have the necessar y attacker has a face full of chemicals, little. Then all you need to do is apply
chemicals to sufficiently disable an a n d r e p ea ted l y th r ust th e fi r e that knowledge to your situation, in a
attacker), and at best provide you with extinguisher into their face, chest or gut last-ditch effort to fight back when
just a large, heavy object to fight with. until you've neutralized the threat. you're unarmed.

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VIP SURVIVAL ACADEMY - FEBRUARY 2019

CATCHING CRAWFISH BY LINE

Once the sun drops it's not always as

fun to be splashing abut in the water
(not to mention unsafe), but there's still
a couple of techniques you can use
instead to get a feed. The first is to
make a simple fishing pole. Take a
branch that's four or five feet long, and
tie a length of fishing line or paracord
to it. On the end you want a bit of bait,
like a chunk of fresh fish you caught
earlier, and lower it into the water. If
there's crawfish around they will come
in to feed, and if you're gentle you can
slowly bring the bait to the edge of the
stream and pluck the crawfish off. The
key is to pace yourself with slow,
controlled movements, so the crawfish
don't get spooked.

TRAPPING CRAWFISH

The other technique one I like to do

overnight. We'll build a crawfish trap.
Taking two green branches you want to
loop these into circles roughly a foot in
SIMPLE WAYS TO TRAP & COOK CRAWFISH diameter. Tie a few structural poles
between them (I usually use 7 or 8) so
you've got what looks like a cylinder,
that's freestanding and strong enough
When I was a kid one of my favorite Down in Louisiana they're active all to stand on its own. Then comes the
things to do was to go "flipping rocks" year round. And as a source of food, difficult part. You're going to cut some
in the steam to see what lurked they're awesome, with about 16 grams long sections of thick grass, and weave
underneath. More often than not we'd of protein in each crawfish. Just make it through the structure to create your
find a couple of crawfish, and they'd be sure you check your states regulations trap. Try to overlap the weave so it's
brought home to live in a bucket for a on collecting crawfish, and you're not possible for a crawfish to get out,
day or two before my dad convinced us following the catch limits and any and close up one end with a "X"
to go release them back in the stream. seasonal restrictions imposed. lashing of branches and grass. There
should be no place to escape. The other
But as I grew older and started camping C A TC H I N G C R A W F I S H B Y end you need to create a funnel for the
a bit more, I realized these little HAND crawfish to enter in, I just tie in a
crawfish were a great source of food on smaller loop of branch to another 7 or
the trail. Likewise, in a bug out scenario. The simplest method for catching 8 sturdy pieces, and lash it all to the
You need all the calories you can get, crawfish is to get in the water and use end. It takes about 30 to 45 mins to
and these little crustaceans are tasty too. your hands. I've had the best luck doing make, but then you just need to bait it,
this in shallow water (not more than 2- add a couple of rocks and toss it in the
WHAT IS A CRAWFISH? foot-deep), and slowly working my way water. After an hour, pull it out and
upstream. As I go I'll turn over rocks there should be plenty of crawfish
Depending on where you live these and poke around any branches, and trapped inside.
freshwater crustaceans get all sorts of when I see one use a forked stick to pin
names. Crayfish, crawdads, and it to the sand where I can reach down COOKING YOUR CATCH
mudbugs are the most common. and grab it (behind the shoulders so it
Usually you'll find them in lakes, ponds can't pinch you). Trouble is they're fast, The simplest means to cook a feed of
and steams, hiding under the rocks in and you'll miss just as many as you crawfish is to boil them, but if you've
relatively shallow water. The water catch. not got a pot you can grill them over an
needs to be clean though. Look for open flame of your campfire just as
running streams and clear water. As the If you've got a net this becomes much easy. Once they've turned a bright
crawfish get bigger they tend to be easier, just remember that crawfish will orangey-red it usually indicates they're
more active in the early evening and dart backwards when they get spooked. done, then just set them aside to cool
night, which makes for a bit of fun for a little before you tackle the next
fishing after you've setup camp. You'll If you place your net behind the step. You need to grab the head in one
only get them during nice weather crawfish and use your hand to scare hand, the tail in another, twisting so you
though, when the water drops below 55 them, they'll often swim straight into split the crawfish in half. Squeeze the
degrees, the crawfish will dig deep and the net. The last hike I went on I was shell until it cracks, and peel the meat
go dormant, awaiting the spring, and seriously unprepared, and I fashioned a out. You will need to use a knife to
you'll not be able to lure them out of small net out of my mesh singlet and a remove the mud line (it runs down the
hiding at all. forked branch. It worked a treat. middle of the tail), and it's ready to eat!

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VIP SURVIVAL ACADEMY - FEBRUARY 2019

SURVIVAL LESSONS YOU CAN LEARN FROM THE HOMELESS

I'm not ashamed to admit I had a pretty Luckily enough I was able to land a job You need to layer your clothing, but not
low point in my life many years back. busing tables, and soon had saved only that, you need to find ways to
enough cash to get my own place. insulate yourself from the cold. Boxes
After losing my job my home was to provide an easy solution for a mattress
follow, as it’s hard to keep up on rent Harry never made it off the streets, and that's warmer than the street, and if
checks without any cash coming in. I learned earlier this year he passed. you're suffering grab some newspaper
Looking back, I'd like to share some of and stuff it into your clothes. It'll help
Over the space of a couple of months the biggest lessons he taught me, and insulate your body and keep you
my life spiraled downwards, and I how they can be used in a SHTF warmer.
found myself living first out of my situation to help you survive.
friends' homes, before moving into my You can't decide when a crisis will hit,
car, and then on the streets. DO YOUR BEST TO NOT LOOK it's important you know how to manage
HOMELESS the weather no matter what. Small
It was eye opening to say the least. tricks like insulating yourself could help
It can be easy to fall into a spiral of you make it through the night.
I know most people are at least a little depression and let yourself go, but if
compassionate, but once you're you want to avoid trouble, and get
homeless and begging on the streets, yourself back on your feet as fast as
you see the true nature of people. you can, you need to look the part.
Find a bathroom and clean yourself up.
Some, are very charitable. Truck stops have great showers, public
libraries have toilets, and churches may “in a SHTF
Others will do everything they can to even have programs that offer food and
pretend you don’t exist. A few are
downright evil.
showers too. Wash your clothes as
often as you can.
situation,
I spent a little over eight weeks on the In a SHTF situation, the way you look the way
streets. Hardly any time compared to is very important. You need to fit in
some, but to me it felt like a lifetime. and look like everyone else, or you risk
becoming a target. The last thing you
you look is
And after I bounced from what seemed
like a never-ending string of bad luck, I
want to do is stand out. very
DON’T LET THE COLD GET TO
made a friend. Harry. Despite being
wary as hell (you shouldn't trust people YOU important.”
when you're struggling), he showed me
the ropes, and what it takes to survive This is especially important when
on the streets. you're camping out at night.

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VIP SURVIVAL ACADEMY - FEBRUARY 2019

cont.

BE WARY OF BEING ALONE

Especially at night.

There are some particularly bad people

out there and you need to ensure you're
not robbed or beaten up when you're
trying to get a little rest.

If there's other witnesses, people are

more likely to behave, so find a place to
camp out that doesn't put you
completely alone.

This is often why particular parks or

locations tend to draw the homeless,
there's safety (to a degree) in numbers.

During a disaster everyone will have

their own agenda.

You need people watching your back so

you don't get taken advantage of. Start
building a survival group now, so you
trust them when things go bad.

ALWAYS BE READY TO RUN

When you've got all your belongings in

a rucksack, it's important to pack light
and keep it together.

Don't spread everything out in front of

you. If the wrong people come by or
even the police, you need to be able to
grab your things and run as fast as
possible. Same goes for anyone who
wants to grab something and run. Keep
your belongings close, it’s all you’ve got.

My advice is to keep your bag packed,

and keep it on your back. You need to
be always ready to run.

Again, this ties into your bug out. Most fights end badly for both I knew I wanted to get off the streets.
participants, and in a survival situation
The faster you can leave and escape a that's not ideal. I had a plan to start working.
bad situation, the better your chances I had a plan to start saving money.
of surviving whatever it is that's Find ways to either avoid conflict
coming. Keep your gear organized and altogether (staying out of sight and And I used these to avoid getting
in one place. don't raise attention), or get the biggest discouraged when I did’t get to eat for a
stick on the block (i.e. a concealed carry day or two.
THE FIGHT ISN’T WORTH IT firearm), and be ready to step in and
stop the violence before it escalates. In a crisis, you're going to feel much the
It's important to learn how to de- same levels of hopelessness, as you
escalate a situation to stop it turning Surviving on the streets is a challenge simply don't know when things will
violent to begin with. far too many Americans struggle with return to normal.
every day.
On the streets, the smallest injury can All you can do is your best, try to stay
result in infections and massive From my experience, the hardest part positive, and have a bigger plan in place
complications, when you don't have of it all was staying positive. so you've got something to work
access to proper medical care. towards each day.
I was able to make it through this time,
Having a few first aid supplies is a good and my depression by creating a plan. That’s how you’ll survive on the streets.
start, but it's better to realize that That’s what kept me going through the
getting into the fight just isn't worth it. nights, and the long days.

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VIP SURVIVAL ACADEMY - FEBRUARY 2019

STAYING WARM WHEN CAMPING

OUT IN THE COLD

I love camping, but when the temperature starts to drop it can get miserable fast in your campsite. It doesn't matter how
beautiful that scenery is, without proper preparations you risk sleepless nights, or worse, hypothermia if you're not ready. The
good news though, it's not all that difficult to stay warm no matter how cold it is outside.

DON’T PUSH EXTREME I like to bring all of my gear inside my REMEMBER TO SNACK
WEATHER tent (it also acts as another layer of
insulation in the walls), and if you've You can kickstart your metabolism, and
Before you head off on a hike or got a buddy get close to them. The produce a ton of natural body heat by
camping trip, research and check the warmth your body's radiate will help simply eating and snacking throughout
conditions. You need to know the heat up the tent to keep you warm. I'd the night. I've found a high-calorie
temperatures you'll be facing (especially also recommend using a mylar space protein bar is great right before
at night), and if there are any particular blanket. Duct taped to the walls, it bedtime, and I've always got a handful
storm fronts coming in. If it feels makes difference when you're reducing of nuts in close reach. Just make sure
dodgy, don't risk it, there's always next the ambient air that needs to be heated. it's easy, and requires minimal prep, so
weekend. you can get back to bed to rest.
USE A HOT WATER BOTTLE
CREATE YOUR IDEAL ALWAYS HAVE A FIRE STARTER
CAMPSITE The stainless-steel bottle I carry with
me when I hike has two functions. Not If you happen to get cold or have an
You want somewhere that's sheltered only does it provide a way to carry accident (like breaking through a frozen
from wind chill and the elements, and water, in the night I can fill it with hot lake), you need a way to get warm fast.
not in a low like a valley or depression. water from the campfire and use it in Always carry with you a way to start a
Clear off the snow where you plan to my bed to warm it up. I usually fill it fire, even in adverse conditions. I've got
set up your tent, and smooth it all out and put it in while I'm cooking dinner a small tinder set that's sealed from any
before the snow starts to melt. I'd also (to warm all of my bedding), and top it moisture, along with a few strips of
recommend gathering enough firewood up again right before I sleep. magnesium. Even in the rain, I can
to keep your campfire going, and gradually build a bigger fire.
setting up a small retaining wall to WEAR THE RIGHT CLOTHES
reflect even more heat into your tent. KNOW THE SIGNS THAT
It's common sense to dress in layers SOMETHING IS WRONG
BRING THE RIGHT GEAR when you're camping in the cold, but
it's also important you've put some Finally, it's important to know how to
One of the fastest ways you get cold at thought into what you'll be wearing at recognize when somethings going
night is the ground literally seeps the night. You want loose fitting clothing, wrong. Once you start shivering
warmth right out of you. In addition to no tight gloves or socks, and remember uncontrollably, slurring your speech,
a cold-weather sleeping bag, bring an to buy synthetic fabrics or wool, cotton feeling a lack of coordination and
insulated foam pad to act as a barrier clothing is a big no-no for cold weather lethargy, you're probably on your way
between your body and the ground. as it doesn't wick away moisture. to hypothermia. If your extremities are
What you're looking for is an looking pale, numb and tingling, there's
aluminumized pad, that has a high R- DON’T GIVE IN TO THE WIND a chance you're starting to experience
value (the higher the value, the better it frostbite. You need to warm up, and go
is at insulating you from heat loss). With your tent as a first line of defense seek medical attention immediately.
against the wind, it's important you're
FILL YOUR TENT doing all you can to protect it from the Just because we're in the midst of
wind. In bad conditions it may become winter it doesn't mean you can't get out
In cold weather you want the smallest necessary to continually go adjust and and enjoy the great outdoors. So long
tent. Every breath you exhale is a loss tighten your rigging. I've dropped trees as you take the right precautions, pack
of warmth, and if you're trying to keep to act as makeshift wind barriers in bad the right gear and know how to stay
warm inside a massive tent you're not weather, the last thing you want is a warm when camping in cold weather,
going to be doing yourself any favors. ripped tent on a cold winter night. you can survive no matter what.

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VIP SURVIVAL ACADEMY - FEBRUARY 2019

Disposable diapers will need to be

carried until they can be disposed. One
trick I found with keeping my youngest
clean was to carry cotton pads, and to
use just a little water on these when I
needed to change her. A little soap and
some hand sanitizer will go a long way
in keeping everyone in your family
healthy while you're bugging out.

HOW YOU’LL KEEP THEM

QUIET

In a dangerous situation noise can draw

the wrong people in, but young kids
simply don't understand. Take breaks
when they're needed, have food on
hand to keep them fed, and it's smart to
get your kids communicating non-
verbally. We play a game when hiking
called the bird monster, teaching our
girls that the louder they are, the birds
think they're a monster and will fly
away and hide. Now this is the furthest
from what my girls want, so they've
taken to being as quiet as possible in
the wild. They'll tug my hand when they
want something, and even whisper.
HOW TO BUG-OUT WITH YOUR KIDS
HOW YOU’LL KEEP THEM
ENTERTAINED
When the SHTF and you need to HOW YOU’LL KEEP THEM
evacuate your home, things are going to CALM Video games only go so far, and on a
get tough. Bugging out should only long bug out or hike it's inevitable your
ever be a last resort, despite what many In a SHTF situation you can bet there's kids will get bored. What we've done is
survivalists like to dream about. a whole lot of noise, stress and panic, try to assign certain jobs to our kids, as
and your kids will be picking up on we're hiking so they are constantly
But If you don't plan accordingly, your your vibes. Sirens, gunshots, and even doing "something." Perhaps they're
bug out will be a blow out. screaming will put your kids on edge, looking for a certain type of berry or
and you'll need a way to help them stay edible, scouting for a water source to
Especially with kids. as calm as possible. Scared kids will cry, refill our bottles, or even reading the
and that can draw unwanted attention map to show us which direction to
HOW YOU’RE PLANNING TO your way. Plus, you don't really want to hike. Small things make a big difference
CARRY THEM cause any long-lasting trauma. to kids, especially if they feel in control
or that they are being a "big helper."
The first thing you're going to need to We've got a few techniques we use to
consider is the ground you'll cover. keep our youngest calm. In addition to HOW YOU’LL KEEP THEM
Infants and toddlers will need to be earplugs, she is quite happy to wear a SAFE
carried, and even young kids will not be set of noise-cancelling headphones and
able to walk far. listen to music on my phone, which You should be armed and ready for
would be the perfect distraction in a anything as you're bugging out, but
You need a plan to carry your kids, less-than-optimal situation. In the baby there's a few other considerations to
whether it's in an all-terrain cart or carrier we've also got an option that make. We've given our kids whistles and
stroller, or a baby backpack that attaches a hooded head cover that helps flashlights so if they ever get lost we
distributes their weight on your hips. shield her from what's going on, and stand a better chance of finding them,
perhaps stop her seeing some PTSD- and my eldest is now at the stage she
Consider the terrain you'll be bugging inducing scenes in a crisis. If your kids can pack her own bug out kit, and
out through, and ensure you've got a are a bit older you could get them knows how to properly use everything
solution that will allow you to move playing games or watching movies. in her bag. I'm confident she’ll survive
easily through whatever you need to and know what to do, where to go, and
cross. Even if your kids are a bit older, HOW YOU’LL KEEP THEM how to keep herself safe, even if she
having a plan to carry them so you can SANITARY gets separated from the rest of us.
keep moving once they get tired is
critical. We've slowly been getting our Of course, it's smart to get your kids Bugging out is a last resort, but with
kids used to long hikes, but they've still potty-trained as fast as possible, but it's planning you can learn how to get out
got a ways to go in developing any kind not always an option and a crisis usually of dodge effectively, even with your
of endurance. You'll also need to hits at the worst possible time. You kids. Do it right, and your chances of
consider who is carrying the weight. need a plan to keep young kids sanitary. survival increase exponentially.

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VIP SURVIVAL ACADEMY - FEBRUARY 2019

DON’T JOIN THE LOOTERS

DON’T MAKE
THESE Push all the moral and ethical reasons
aside, you want to be avoiding the
MISTAKES IN people rioting on the streets at all costs.
Just because people are raiding stores, it
A CRISIS doesn't entitle you to grab "your fair
share" and join in as well. Not only do
you put yourself at risk for retaliation
When the SHTF the decisions you from an angry shopkeeper (no one
make will ultimately determine whether wants a shotgun blast in the chest),
you live or die. One wrong choice, and things could go sideways fast. Think
suddenly your life is on the line. Of about this for a second. You're
course, there's plenty of things you surrounded by a group of looters with
need to get organized beforehand, like few morals (they're already stealing) in a I had a friend recently roll their ankle
your supplies and your gear, but the location that's basically a disaster. on a hike, and whilst she knew it was
stress of it all may not have you What's to stop them taking a step bad she wanted to evacuate herself
thinking straight. It's important to towards kidnapping, or even simply instead of sitting tight and waiting for
maintain a cool head even as everything turning their guns on you and taking help. By the time we got back to the car
descends into chaos, and with that I'd what you have when there's no more she was in so much pain, and on getting
like to share some of the biggest shops to rob. Don't join the looters. to the emergency room we discovered 4
mistakes preppers commonly make. fractures in her ankle. She wore a cast
DON’T DRINK UNPURIFIED for 6 weeks, and is currently on rehab
If you want to survive, don't make WATER to regain movement in her foot as the
these mistakes in a crisis. walking she did on it made the damage
I know the water looks clean, but so much worse. If you're injured you
DON’T JUST THINK YOU CAN you've no idea what's been happening need to take care of yourself. Dress the
WING IT upstream, or what contaminants are wounds to fight off infection. Take it
already present. It doesn't matter how easy if you hurt yourself. The worst
Good survivalists are those who are thirsty you are, or if you've done it a a thing you can do is try to push through
prepared. But it's more than just having thousand times before. Drink unclean the pain like they do in the movies.
a basement full of supplies, even water and you're risking diseases and Movies aren't real.
though hundreds of tins of baked parasites infecting your body, that will
beans will stop you going hungry. You make your life hell. Add diarrhea, DON’T REFULSE TO BUG OUT
need to know what to do when certain cramps and fever to everything else
events happen. You need a plan. You that's going on as the SHTF and you'll Ideally you should be set up to bug in at
need to establish communication plans, understand pretty quickly what I mean. your home, but there are situations
meeting points, bug out locations, Now is not the time to take yourself where staying put is a bad idea. If a
evacuation routes, and ensure your out with a preventable illness. Always wildfire is coming, a hurricane, or even
entire family knows the plan. And then boil your water (at a minimum) before a pandemic, evacuate. Don't be one of
you need to practice it, improve your you drink it, and filter it if you can. the silly people who get trapped in their
response times, and look for any home that need to be rescued (or
weaknesses or problems with your plan. DON’T NEGLECT YOUR FIRE simply perish) because you were too
If you're planning to just wing it, you'll stubborn to bug out. You can make this
be just like everyone else when the Fire can make all the difference to easier by preparing your bug out kit
SHTF, running around with no idea keeping you alive. But it's also a danger. now, so when you need to leave you've
what to do. If you're not responsible or neglect the already got everything you need.
fires you've lit, it doesn't take much for
these to turn into a bigger problem. DON’T PANIC
Sparks and embers can travel far on a
dry windy day, and before you know it Finally, don't panic. It can be
the entire hillside is burning. If you're frightening watching everything around
“it’s more building a fire, keep it contained, keep
an eye on it, and make sure you've got it
you descend into chaos, but for your
sake, don't give in. Be determined to
than just totally under control. Same goes for
your kids. While a campfire can provide
push through it, use your plans and
your stockpile wisely, and make every
an almost endless means of effort you can to survive.
having a entertainment during a difficult time,
watch what they're doing. If they get Surviving through a crisis requires a
basement burnt that's on you, as you're meant to
be looking out for your kids.
calm and collected mindset.

full of DON’T PUSH THROUGH THE

You're going to face challenging
situations every day, and the choices
PAIN you make will ultimately determine how
supplies…” successfully you survive. Pay attention
If you're injured during a crisis the to these mistakes, and make sure you're
worst thing you can do is tough it out. not another casualty when the SHTF.

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VIP SURVIVAL ACADEMY - FEBRUARY 2019

ADD THESE LONG-LASTING FOODS TO YOUR STOCKPILE

I've been working on my survival WHITE RICE The older they get the harder they
stockpile for years. become to use (you'll need to soak
I know brown rice is healthier, but due them overnight, and perhaps even
Slowly adding a tin of food here, some to the oils that remain in the husk it will extend the cooking times.
extra supplies there. only last you 12 months in ideal
conditions. White rice can last up to 30 I usually throw a handful of rehydrated
It's at the point now where I've years. You want your rice to be vacuum beans into the mix when I'm using my
probably got enough food tucked away sealed in individual packs, and packed slow cooker, it's a nice little protein
to keep my family fed for a year. Twelve for long-term storage in larger air-tight boost to add to a stew or a soup.
months of breakfast, lunch and containers.
dinners, that may even last longer if
we're properly rationing what we have. This way you've got two lines of
defense, and if one pack happens to
But that's all for nothing if my supplies
are inedible when we need them.
spoil, it doesn't ruin pounds and
pounds of rice. Just make sure you've
“when it
And when it comes to food, nothing
got a rice cooker in your stockpile (it
makes it much easier to cook), although comes to
lasts forever. in a pinch you can always boil rice over
an open flame in a pot. food,
But there are a few key supplies that
will 'almost' get you there, plenty long
enough to ensure your family won't go
BEANS nothing
hungry no matter when a crisis strikes. I'm not the biggest fan of beans, but
they're an incredible survival food. lasts
Most of what I'm recommending today
has a shelf life that spans decades, and
under the right conditions will remain
Much like rice, with proper storage
conditions you can keep dried beans
forever…”
edible when you need it most. almost forever.

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VIP SURVIVAL ACADEMY - FEBRUARY 2019

WHAT ARE THE RIGHT STORAGE CONDITIONS?

You see it all the time on labels, right? Store in a cool, dry, place. Well this means a few things.
You want it cool. Not hot like the trunk of your car or the garage during summer, and definitely
nowhere that drops below zero and freezes. Continued freezing/unfreezing will ruin most food items
when you do eventually try to eat it. Sunlight can damage it too.
Next comes the water. You want somewhere dry. Mold and mildew are not healthy, and once they get
into your supplies you will need to toss them. Plus, damp air wreaks havoc on the tins you've got (once
they start to rust you'll need to toss these too). Find somewhere dry.
Finally, you need to keep the critters away. Rats and mice can be remarkably persistent, I've seen them
chew right through plastic storage tubs to get at the food inside. Get a cat, set out rat baits, or whatever it
takes to ensure you're not losing your supplies to tiny creatures.
Right, now once you've sorted these, don't forget the food.

WHEAT BERRIES SUGAR VINEGAR

Instead of stocking up on flour which Plain white sugar isn't the healthiest Plain old white vinegar is made from
can be a breeding ground for weevils option, but it's a staple in my stockpile corn and has such a low pH it'll last
and other nasties, you need to start because it's just so darn useful. virtually forever.
using wheat berries.
From cooking to creating jams and It makes a great cleaning agent for
It's essentially just the entire wheat preserves, you need sugar if you want bathrooms, but I particularly like it on
kernel, that you can either soak and to continue cooking and replenishing salad. We grow so much produce on
cook with (kind of like beans), or use a your stockpile as the seasons change. our farm we're constantly munching
hand cranked flour mill to grind them into salad, but it gets boring.
down and start baking your own whole We do a big crop of mulberry jams
meal breads. Stored in vacuum sealed each year, and whilst it takes a bucket- A little vinegar, lemon juice and pepper
bags wheat berries will last decades. load of sugar, it's delicious on pancakes makes a great salad dressing, and is a
and toast for months afterwards. great way to spice up a boring meal.
For us, one of my favorite rituals is our
Sunday campfire, as we sit down as a SALT POWDERED MILK
family, grind a bunch of flour and make
damper (an Australian campfire bread I Another kitchen staple, salt will last I love my coffee, and in addition to
recently discovered). It's awesome. indefinitely as it's actually a mineral. having at least a year's worth of beans
packed and stored, I need milk for it.
OATS Plus, you need it in your body (you
sweat out salts when you're working Powdered milk is your best bet, in the
One of my favorite breakfasts during and these need to be replenished). Salt tins from the manufacturer it'll last at
winter is a warm bowl of oats. Pour in is a great way to add a little flavor to least 10 years, though some brands
some hot water, add a little sugar and your foods, and even to cure and dry promise a 25-year shelf life. Stock up
honey (two additional supplies that last and game meat you've hunted. There's on powdered milk, you can use it for
almost forever), and a handful of fresh nothing better than a little deer jerky, baking, drinking, and well whatever else
berries, and you've got a great start to and we usually do two or three batches you like. Once you add water it's
the day. every year. "almost" like real milk.

Plus, when you're storing them right, HONEY Right, with those in your stockpile you
steel-cut rolled oats will last about 15 should be ready for anything.
years in your stockpile. More than Not only does honey last forever, it's
enough to keep you going. one of my favorite things to pour on Of course, there's a ton more supplies
my breakfast. It's also antibacterial, and and food you should be keeping, but
Oh, and if you want to add a little bit in a pinch you can use it for wound these long-lasting foods will ensure
of variety to your baking, your flour treatments, if you've no antibacterial you've always got something to eat, no
grinder works on oats too. creams on hand in your first aid kit. matter what.

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VIP SURVIVAL ACADEMY - FEBRUARY 2019

TIPS TO CUT DOWN ON YOUR BUG OUT BAGS WEIGHT

The first bug out kit I packed must And if I'm being chased through the GET YOUR CLOTHES IN
have weighed 50 pounds. woods by looters intent on stealing my ORDER
stuff (or worse), you don't want to be
I stuffed everything I could into it, and weighed down by 50 pounds of gear. Before you leave your home to bug out
for good measure even tied a few bits You won't escape. These days my bug it's important you dress appropriately.
of gear to the outside. out pack is a lightweight 12 pounds. I've got my boots, jacket and pants
Light, effective, and more than enough hanging in a cupboard right by the
Proud of myself, I couldn't wait to take to ensure I make it to my bug out door, so I can always ensure I'm in
it out on the trail to see just how well I location, which is all your bug out kit weather-appropriate gear. In my bug
would survive. should be for. out kit I've only got a change of
underwear, and two pairs of socks. It's
About five miles into my ten-mile hike Here's how I cut down the weight a luxury to have multiple items of
I wanted to die. clothing for just a few days, and if you
GET RID OF YOUR FOOD dress in layers, you can always wash
There was just far too much weight on your shirt and dry it overnight by the
my back, and soon my knees and hips Tinned food and everything you need fire before starting the day.
were complaining. I ended up not to prepare a meal is extra weight.
completing the hike at all, and I'm
ashamed to say that there were a few You don't need a camping stove or pots
pieces of gear that never made it home. and pans. And you certainly don't need

If you're planning to bug out, your bug

15 different spices. All of this is metal,
that weighs you down. It's also noisy if “going
out kit needs to be light. not properly muffled in your pack,

- You need to be fast on your feet

which can make bug ging out
undetected a challenge. I've got about 8
without
- You need to be able to evacuate fast
- You need to escape any pursuit
high-calorie protein bars in my pack.
That's it.
food for a
In a crisis, you never know what could Enough food to stave off hunger while day or two
happen. I make it to my bug out location.

Ideally, I've got my family loaded into Because really, going without food for a
won’t kill
our SUV and we have a leisurely drive
out to our bug out location, filled with
day or two won't kill you. It's not super
fun (I do it every now and then just to you…”
plenty of food and supplies and we ride test my endurance), and in a pinch I've
out whatever disaster comes our way. always got some hooks and line, or my
But life doesn't always go to plan. rifle, to bring down some wild game.

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VIP SURVIVAL ACADEMY - FEBRUARY 2019

cont. These days, you'd have to twist my arm T hat's it. T here should be no
to get me to bring a tent anywhere. Not consumables left in your pack once this
GET RID OF YOUR FANCY only are they bulky and heavy (yes even time is up. And if it's a bit of gear with
SLEEPING BAG the ultralight camping tents), it's weight a questionable purpose, get rid of it.
you simply don't need. All you need is a
Nothing beats a nice, cozy sleeping bag tarp or two. Unless of course it's the Ultimately, the best way to cut down on
but they are often one of the heaviest dead of winter, then you want all the the weight of your bug out bag is
items in your kit. Especially in cold- protection you can get. Otherwise, experience.
weather bug outs, you need a high-rated tarps are all you need. And with a bit of
sleeping bag to make it through the paracord, you can string these up to Once you get comfortable hiking and
night. What I've found works quite well provide decent shelter from the camping in the wild, and you start
is to use a two-layer system to add extra elements. doing it more and more, you'll learn
warmth to a compact sleeping bag. what you need to bring, and what you
First, I slip into an emergency sleeping GET RID OF EVERYTHING can improvise along the way.
bag. It's not the most comfortable thing YOU WON’T USE
in the world, but it traps all your heat, My kit is very light these days, but that's
so you can use a lighter sleeping bag as The first bug out bag I packed I had so because I've a pretty good track record
the external layer. I've successfully used many items in there, that were just in of catching a feed of fish, cutting tent
this setup in temperatures down to 14 case. Of course, it's important you're pegs from branches to set up camp, and
degrees (-10 Celsius), though it wasn't not forsaking actual survival tools like a a host of other experiences in the wild.
the most pleasant of nights, I made it fire starter, but I didn't need to carry a
through okay. mug, a book about local edibles, two If you want to pack lighter, my advice
changes of clothing. The list goes on. is to get out there and start learning.
GET RID OF YOUR TENT
What you need to think about is your The more you know, the less "stuff"
Going camping without a tent felt 72-hour timeline. Pack everything you you'll need to bring.
strange the first time I did it. need to survive for 3 days.

14