James Burnette, Author at Survivalpunk

Situational Awareness Tips | episode 274

November 1, 2024October 31, 2024 James Burnette Leave a comment

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Situational Awareness Tips | episode 274

In today’s world, staying situationally aware is more important than ever. In this episode, we’ll go over three key practices for increasing your awareness: avoiding constant phone use, being mindful with headphones, and staying informed on relevant news.

Don’t Always Stare at Your Phone

Firstly, it’s easy to get lost in our phones, especially when navigating through public spaces. Yet, taking a break from your screen while walking allows you to stay connected to your environment. For instance, noticing who’s around you or catching small details can help you respond faster if something unexpected occurs. Plus, looking up from your phone not only keeps you safer, but also gives you a chance to enjoy your surroundings more.

Mind Your Headphone Usage

Another essential tip is to be cautious with headphone use, particularly when you’re outside or in a crowd. While listening to music or podcasts can make a commute or walk more enjoyable, it also dulls your awareness of what’s happening nearby. Instead of listening at full volume, try using only one earbud or keeping the volume low. By doing so, you’ll stay more attuned to ambient sounds like traffic or other people, which can be crucial in avoiding potentially dangerous situations.

Stay Informed on Current Events

Finally, knowledge about current events, especially local news, can enhance your situational awareness. For example, knowing about recent crimes in your area or weather warnings helps you plan accordingly and stay prepared. Not only does this give you a better sense of control, but it also makes you more resilient in the face of sudden changes.

By practicing these situational awareness tips, you can remain alert, responsive, and better prepared for whatever life throws your way.

Survival Lessons From Zombies | episode 273

October 31, 2024October 30, 2024 James Burnette Leave a comment

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Survival Lessons From Zombies | episode 273

In our latest podcast episode, we explore valuable survival lessons inspired by zombie movies. While these films are fictional, the scenarios often highlight practical advice that applies to real-world emergencies. Here are three critical takeaways: stay home, form a strong community, and prioritize physical fitness.

Stay Home, Don’t Bug Out

In almost every zombie movie, characters who immediately flee often face the most danger. Instead of rushing out, consider sheltering in place. When you stay home, you have familiar surroundings, access to supplies, and a defensible position. Bugging out is risky without a solid plan, so take a moment to assess the situation and your resources first. Zombie movies remind us that sometimes, staying put can be your safest choice.

Form a Strong Community with Your Neighbors

Surviving alone is tough, but when you have allies, your chances improve dramatically. Many zombie movie survivors make it because they’re part of a supportive group. Neighbors and local connections can share resources, skills, and support. Rather than isolating yourself, connect with those nearby. Working together can offer security, increase morale, and make it easier to weather prolonged crises.

Be Fit – Train to Run at Least a Mile

Lastly, physical fitness is crucial. In any emergency scenario, the ability to move quickly and for extended periods can be lifesaving. Zombie films often show the downfall of characters who can’t keep up. Even if it’s just a mile, training for endurance can make a difference. Regular exercise not only boosts strength but also mental resilience.

In conclusion, these lessons from zombie movies highlight practical preparedness tips: stay home when possible, build a supportive community, and focus on fitness. Listen to our episode for more insights on adapting these strategies to real-life situations!

Survival Guns 101 | episode 272

October 30, 2024October 31, 2024 James Burnette Leave a comment

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Survival Guns 101 | episode 272

In our latest podcast episode, we cover an important topic for anyone serious about preparedness: the four types of guns every survivalist should consider owning. Whether you’re planning for self-defense, hunting, or general survival scenarios, having the right firearms can make a significant difference. We break down the essentials, discussing the benefits and uses of each type of gun and why they’re crucial for any survival plan.

Handgun

A reliable handgun is essential for personal protection. It’s portable, easy to conceal, and can be quickly accessed in emergency situations. We recommend choosing a handgun that you’re comfortable shooting and carrying, with sufficient stopping power for self-defense. Popular calibers include 9mm and .45 ACP, as they strike a good balance between power and manageable recoil. In the podcast, we discuss the pros and cons of various models and how to choose one that suits your needs.

.22 Long Rifle

The .22 long rifle is an incredibly versatile firearm, perfect for small game hunting and even target practice. It’s lightweight, has minimal recoil, and the ammunition is affordable and easy to stockpile. A .22 can help you hunt small animals for food, making it a valuable tool in any survival scenario. We share tips on finding a reliable .22 rifle and why it’s a must-have for both beginners and seasoned survivalists.

Shotgun (Preferably 12 Gauge)

The shotgun is one of the most versatile firearms you can own. Futhermore, a 12-gauge shotgun can be used for home defense, hunting birds, and even larger game with the right type of ammunition. We suggest opting for a pump-action model, as it’s reliable and easy to maintain.

Defense Rifle

A defense rifle, like an AR-15 or AK-47, is an essential tool for protecting yourself and your family in a serious survival situation. These rifles are effective for both defense and hunting larger game, offering accuracy, range, and power. The AR-15 is known for its modularity, allowing users to customize and modify it to their preference, while the AK-47 is renowned for its durability and simplicity. We dive into the strengths of each, helping you decide which is better suited for your needs.

Tune in to this episode to get a detailed breakdown of these four essential survival guns, their uses, and tips on selecting the right models. With the right knowledge and tools, you can build a well-rounded survival arsenal that prepares you for whatever may come.

Long Term Food Storage | episode 271

October 29, 2024October 28, 2024 James Burnette Leave a comment

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Long Term Food Storage | episode 271

In our latest podcast episode, we explore the essentials of long-term food storage, focusing on practical ways to store staple foods like rice and beans, as well as the benefits of freeze-dried options. Whether you’re prepping for emergencies or just want to save money by buying in bulk, proper storage techniques can ensure your food stays fresh for years.

Storing Rice and Beans

Rice and beans are ideal for long-term storage because they are nutritious, versatile, and have a long shelf life when stored correctly. To keep them fresh, start by choosing high-quality, dry products. Store them in airtight containers, such as 5-gallon buckets with gasket-sealed lids, or Mylar bags with oxygen absorbers to prevent moisture, pests, and spoilage. It’s essential to store these containers in a cool, dark, and dry place, as exposure to heat and light can degrade the quality of the food over time. We go over different container options in the podcast, including how to use Mylar bags and vacuum sealers for smaller portions.

Freeze-Dried Food Options

While rice and beans are great for the basics, freeze-dried foods offer more variety and convenience. Freeze-drying locks in the nutrients and flavors, while removing the moisture, making these foods lightweight, easy to store, and quick to prepare. You can find freeze-dried meals that are perfect for emergency situations or as a backup plan for when you don’t have time to cook from scratch. Freeze-dried fruits, vegetables, and meats are also available, making it easier to add balanced nutrition to your pantry.

Tune in to this episode for tips on how to effectively store rice, beans, and other staples, and discover the benefits of adding freeze-dried foods to your long-term storage plan. We provide practical advice to help you build a reliable food supply that lasts for years, giving you peace of mind no matter what the future holds.

Defining A SHTF | episode 270

October 28, 2024October 26, 2024 James Burnette Leave a comment

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Defining A SHTF | episode 270

In our latest podcast episode, we tackle a crucial topic for preppers and anyone who wants to be prepared: defining what a SHTF (Shit Hit The Fan) event actually means. We delve into what constitutes a true crisis and discuss why it’s essential to recognize different types of emergencies. Furthermore we also address the growing trend of people on the internet downplaying others’ situations and why it’s important not to dismiss someone’s experience of a crisis.

What is a SHTF Event?

A SHTF event is essentially any situation where normal life is disrupted in a significant way, causing widespread chaos, danger, or uncertainty. Specifically, this could range from natural disasters, economic collapse, and power grid failures to civil unrest or a global pandemic. Another key aspect of a SHTF scenario is that it pushes society or individuals beyond their normal coping mechanisms, leading to a breakdown in regular systems. To summarize in this episode, we explore what these events look like, how they affect people, and why preparation is crucial to surviving them.

Everyone’s Crisis is Different

One of the issues we address is the tendency for people on the internet to tell others that their situation “isn’t a real crisis.” Whether someone is dealing with a localized natural disaster or facing a personal financial collapse, it’s not up to others to decide whether it counts as a SHTF event. Minimizing someone else’s experience can discourage them from preparing for future challenges, which can be dangerous. In addition, we emphasize that preparation is personal and different for everyone.

Why Understanding SHTF is Important

Recognizing what qualifies as a SHTF event helps people prepare effectively. Moreover in our podcast, we talk about how to assess risks, understand your local vulnerabilities, and build plans for different levels of emergencies. Understanding that not all crises are global or catastrophic, but still disruptive, can help in making practical, real-world decisions about prepping.

Finally tune in to this episode to better understand what a SHTF event is, why it matters, and how to stay prepared no matter what life throws your way.