James Burnette, Author at Survivalpunk

Easy Water Storage | episode 285

November 18, 2024November 16, 2024 James Burnette

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Easy Water Storage | episode 285

Water is one of the most crucial resources in any emergency or survival situation. Having a reliable water storage plan ensures you and your family can remain hydrated and maintain basic sanitation when normal access is disrupted. Let’s dive into practical tips to make water storage easy and effective.

Have a Water Plan

Start by assessing your natural water sources. Do you have access to streams, ponds, or even a swimming pool? These can serve as supplemental resources in an emergency, but they may require filtration or treatment before use. For a sustainable approach, consider installing a rainwater catchment system. These systems collect and store rain from your roof, offering a steady supply of H20.

Long-Term Water Storage Tip

Storing water long-term requires proper preparation to keep it clean and safe. Begin by using food-grade containers specifically designed for water storage. Avoid reusing old milk or juice containers, as they can harbor bacteria or odors.
Before filling, clean your storage containers with a bleach solution (1 teaspoon of unscented bleach per gallon of water) to sanitize them. Use filtered or pre-boiled water to minimize contamination risks.

Preventing Bacteria Growth

Bacteria thrive in stagnant water, so it’s essential to treat stored water with preservatives. Add unscented household bleach at a ratio of 1/8 teaspoon per gallon for long-term storage, or use commercially available water-preserving solutions. Store containers in a cool, dark place to prevent algae growth and periodically check for leaks.

With a clear plan and proper techniques, water storage can be simple and stress-free. Being prepared ensures you’ll have one less thing to worry about when an emergency strikes.

Don’t Let Yourself Go To The Crazy Place | episode 284

November 15, 2024November 15, 2024 James Burnette

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Don’t Let Yourself Go To The Crazy Place | episode 284

In the world of prepping, it’s easy to slide from being prepared to feeling paranoid. Prepping has an important purpose: to ensure we’re ready to face unexpected events. But sometimes, in the quest to be ready for anything, it’s possible to lose perspective. In this podcast, we’ll discuss how to stay grounded and avoid the “crazy place” while prepping.

Keep Paranoia in Check

Prepping often means staying informed about possible risks, from natural disasters to economic downturns. However, too much focus on worst-case scenarios can lead to paranoia. Instead, view prepping as a tool to enhance your life, not something driven by fear. Remember that many potential crises are rare, and balancing awareness with realistic expectations will help you prepare without unnecessary anxiety.

Stay Positive and Balanced

Mindset is crucial. When prepping starts to feel overwhelming, step back and remember why you started. The goal isn’t to live in fear but to be secure and confident in your preparations. Make positivity part of your routine by practicing gratitude and appreciating the security your efforts bring. Keeping your spirit positive will help you stay motivated and less stressed.

Watch Less News

Constant news can amplify feelings of dread, especially if it focuses on negative stories. Try limiting your news intake to just once a day or a few times a week to avoid becoming overwhelmed. Balance factual information with time to relax and enjoy other activities. This approach will help you stay informed without feeling alarmed by every headline.

Connect Socially

It’s easy to become isolated when prepping, but staying social is important. Engage with friends, family, or prepper communities that support positive, balanced perspectives. Social interactions can provide fresh insights and help you stay grounded. In the end, prepping should help you live confidently—not consume your life.

Testing Your Preps | episode 283

November 14, 2024November 13, 2024 James Burnette

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Testing Your Preps | episode 283

In a survival situation, knowing how to use your gear can be the difference between comfort and struggle—or even life and death. Simply stashing items in a bug-out bag without testing them can lead to unpleasant surprises when you need them most. Testing your gear is essential to truly understanding its capabilities, limitations, and how it fits into your survival strategy. Here’s how you can effectively put your camping and survival gear to the test, while getting the whole family involved.

Hands-On Gear Testing

Start by thoroughly testing each item you plan to rely on, from your tent and fire starter to your water purifier and knife. Each tool has unique nuances, so take the time to learn them. Set up your tent a few times before you need to, test your cooking stove and fuel, and practice using your water filtration system. Testing items in different environments and weather conditions also provides valuable insights. You’ll get comfortable with your equipment, making it easier to use under pressure.

Conduct a Mock Bug-Out or Bug-In

Organizing a mock bug-out (evacuation) or bug-in (shelter-in-place) drill with your family is a great way to assess your overall readiness. Pick a weekend, pack up your bug-out bags, and head out to a local campground or even your backyard. This is an excellent time to go over your emergency plan, assigning roles, and learning how to communicate effectively under stress.

If a bug-out isn’t possible, consider doing a bug-in. Cut off your regular utilities and see how long you can manage on stored resources alone. These realistic scenarios show everyone what to expect, help you discover any gaps in your plan, and give your family a sense of confidence in the gear you’ve chosen.

Testing your gear and plans will help you identify what works, what doesn’t, and what needs improving—making you better prepared for anything life throws your way.

Bugging Out Vs Bugging In | episode 282

November 13, 2024November 12, 2024 James Burnette

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Bugging Out Vs Bugging In | episode 282

When it comes to prepping and survival planning, one of the biggest decisions is whether to bug out or bug in. Each option has its pros and cons, and your choice can impact your chances of long-term survival. In today’s episode, we’ll explore factors that can help you decide when to stay and when to go.

Which Option Gives You the Better Chance for Survival?

Bugging out, or evacuating, is often seen as a last-resort strategy for survivalists. It can increase your exposure to dangers and leave you more vulnerable without proper supplies or a secure location. Bugging in, or staying home, often provides more stability, access to pre-stocked resources, and a familiar environment. However, in certain crises, staying home can become too dangerous. The key is evaluating the situation carefully and weighing which option offers you the best safety and self-sufficiency.

Times To Bug In

Bugging in is usually the preferred option for most people in short-term crises, such as severe weather events or civil unrest. If you’re in a well-prepared, fortified home with ample supplies, staying put can give you a significant advantage. Bugging in allows you to rely on your own resources, avoid the unpredictability of crowded evacuation routes, and protect your home and belongings.

Times To Bug Out

Bugging out becomes necessary when staying home puts you at risk. If there’s a looming natural disaster like a wildfire, chemical leak, or massive flooding, evacuating may be your safest option. Bugging out also makes sense if your home becomes a target during a prolonged social collapse or extreme civil unrest. Having a bug-out bag packed and a well-planned route to a safer location is essential.

Tune in to hear more about the pros and cons of each approach and how to prepare for both scenarios so that you’re ready to make the best choice when it counts.

Pay Yourself First | episode 281

November 12, 2024November 11, 2024 James Burnette

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Pay Yourself First | episode 281

In today’s episode, we’re diving into the concept of “Paying Yourself First,” a powerful lesson from Robert Kiyosaki’s book, Rich Dad Poor Dad. While many of us were taught to cover our bills and expenses first, Kiyosaki’s approach flips that script. The idea is to prioritize your investments, savings, and even your preparedness supplies before you spend on regular expenses. By doing this, you set yourself up for long-term stability and growth rather than constantly treading water financially.

Investing in Your Investments and Preps First

One of the key strategies for paying yourself first is to ensure that part of your income goes directly toward investments or emergency supplies. When you treat your financial future and preparedness as essential expenses, you’re more likely to stay committed. For example, you might start by putting a percentage of your income into a retirement account, investment portfolio, or into building a robust emergency supply—whether that’s food, water, or other critical preps. Kiyosaki emphasizes building these “assets” first so that they can grow and support you over time.

Automating Your Savings and Prepping

Another helpful approach is to automate these contributions. You can set up automatic transfers to savings accounts or automated investments in low-risk funds. Many online banks and investment platforms allow you to schedule regular transfers, so you don’t have to think about it. When it comes to preparedness, subscription services and bulk purchases allow you to stockpile essential supplies gradually. Automation helps keep you on track even during busy times and ensures that you’re consistently building up assets and preps with minimal effort.

“Paying yourself first” isn’t just about managing money—it’s about building a sustainable and resilient lifestyle. Join us in this episode as we discuss practical ways to prioritize your future.