Further down this page, you'll find a comprehensive listing of the finest books on emergency preparedness and on preparation for power failures, food shortages, natural disasters, and terrorist and biological attacks.. You can also click on the Amazon.com button under each of these titles to read extracts from, or reviews of them, or to place an order.
!['21st Century Complete Guide to Bioterrorism, Biological and Chemical Weapons, Germs and Germ Warfare, Nuclear and Radiation Terrorism - Military Manuals and Federal Documents with Practical Emergency Plans, Protective Measures, Medical Treatment and Survival Information' [ CD-Rom], by the U.S. Government](21centcd.jpg)
"21st Century Complete Guide to Bioterrorism, Biological and Chemical Weapons, Germs and Germ Warfare, Nuclear and Radiation Terrorism - Military Manuals and Federal Documents with Practical Emergency Plans, Protective Measures, Medical Treatment and Survival Information," by the U.S. Government ;CD-Rom]
!['21st Century Bioterrorism and Germ Weapons - U.S. Army Field Manual for the Treatment of Biological Warfare Agent Casualties (Anthrax, Smallpox, Plague, Viral Fevers, Toxins, Delivery Methods, Detection, Symptoms, Treatment, Equipment)' [Ringbound edition], by the Department of Defense](21cent2.jpg)
"21st Century Bioterrorism and Germ Weapons - U.S. Army Field Manual for the Treatment of Biological Warfare Agent Casualties (Anthrax, Smallpox, Plague, Viral Fevers, Toxins, Delivery Methods, Detection, Symptoms, Treatment, Equipment)" - Department of Defense [Ringbound edition]
"2002 Bioterrorism After the Anthrax Attacks: Complete Revised Guide to Biological Weapons and Germ Warfare, Anthrax, Smallpox, Medicines, Treatment, Preparedness, White House, Homeland Security, CDC, HHS, FDA, NIH, Military Manuals" - U. S. Government (CD-ROM)
"The Complete Disaster Home Preparation Guide" - Robert A. Roskind"Explains how to prepare at home for emergencies that disrupt essential services such as water and electricity, and discusses survival preparedness for disasters ranging from earthquakes and floods to nuclear emergencies.""Provides specific, real-world, detailed solutions for survival and preparation. Discusses how to be ready when the power goes off, when the phones don't work, when the running water stops running, when the sewage service stops, and the ATM fails."
"Living Safe in an Unsafe World: The Complete Guide to Family Preparedness" - Kate Kelly"Invaluable reference for September 11 and other emergencies, I first borrowed this book from the library and found it so useful I bought it from Amazon. I live in the Washington, D.C. area and felt very unprepared for emergencies in the aftermath of September 11. This guide helps you create a family emergency plan and give you tips on keeping safe in more routine situations. Particularly useful was their suggestion of a disaster supplies kit, which I now have. Some items in the kit were predictable--like a first aid kit, but others were not and make a lot of sense like a NOAA emergency radio, list of key addresses and contacts, extra prescription medications etc. While I don't expect to need it for an evacuation or terrorist emergency, these are supplies I would need in other emergencies from power outtages to storms etc. They recommend that you pack this in a carryall and take with you on trips as well.
Also useful was the idea of a family emergency plan--places to meet outside your home in case of an emergency. This would have been very useful on September 11 when all phone and cell phone lines in this area were busy and roads were clogged while people didn't have alternate ways to get home.
Other useful topics are in areas such as fire emergency, food related dangers, weather related disasters, dangerous encounters with animals and insects and a great chapter on home related emergencies." - review by an Amazon.Com customer, who gave this book a '5-star' rating."Extremely relevant and necessary. In view of recent national events and all the possibilities, this book is a "must-have" for everyone. Written in a concise, easy to undertstand style, it covers the full range of potential dangers and how to prepare and react. I think the title is so appropriate, and the book delivers on that theme.
I think every home should have a reference book like this one." - review by an Amazon.Com customer, who gave this book a '5-star' rating.
"Making the Best of Basics: Family Preparedness Handbook" - James Talmage Stevens"Just close your eyes for a moment and imagine what would happen if you became ill and couldn't work, or if an earthquake or hurricane or bomb left your community devastated. It happens all the time. When unexpected disasters happen, people who are even a little prepared are much better off than those who have taken their dependence on outside resources for granted. When you imagine the security of not having to worry about going to the store for even a few weeks, a comprehensive storage system begins to make sense.
James Talmage Stevens's Making the Best of Basics, now in its 10th edition, is one of the best-known preparedness bibles around. Stevens lays out a yearlong storage program of 15 food and nonfood categories, six of which (water, wheat and grains, dairy products, sweeteners, "cooking catalysts" like salt and oil, and sprouting seeds) are capable of sustaining life indefinitely in a no-frills diet. The other 9 categories are designated "Building Blocks," and improve upon the basic diet and support a more routine, less Spartan existence while relying on stored supplies. (Some of them, such as medical supplies and fuel, will seem as essential to some readers as the first six.) The book's main messages--store what you eat, eat what you store, use it or lose it--are at the core of its calm advice and simple, nutritious recipes. The 10th edition has been updated with a yellow pages section that lists current preparedness resources throughout the U.S. and Canada, including Web resources.""This Book Has It All!! This book is easy to read, practical and extremely interesting. It is comprehensive and well-designed. I picked it up and immediately skipped to the chapter about food dehydration at home. I learned things that I was able to put in practice right then.
The Supply Check Lists seem almost overwhelming but at least there is plan which makes sense. Most certainly, it will take a lot of effort to put our family Preparedness Plan in place and that is a daunting task. The author offers useful advice and helpful suggestions to help guide us through our decisions.
This book is packed with useful information for anyone concerned with personal and family preparedness. If you are concerned about the possibility of some social disruption next year due to the millennium bug or would just like to be better informed and prepared for any type of natural disaster, this book will be a reference tool you won't want to be without.
I'm glad I purchased the book at AMAZON -- the ordering was easy and the shipment arrived in perfect condition within 3 days. I had seen the book selling for $30 at a local long term food storage distributorship. " - review by an Amazon.Com customer, who gave this book a '5-star' rating."An Excellent Starting Point. Okay, Y2K came and went and civilization is still here. (Why? Preparedness. If we hadn't spent those billions of dollars getting ready, it would have been bad. Real bad.) But earthquakes, floods, economic dislocation, and other bad things are still real, still very much with us, and could happen at any time. As this book says, "It's better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it!"
This book is a real help in getting your own personal preparedness program going. Maybe you'd like a year's worth of food in storage. Or maybe you'd just like to be a little more comfortable this winter when a snowstorm knocks out the power and keeps you away from the grocery store for three days. Those extremes, and anywhere in between, are addressed in this book.
Some people say this books uses "scare tactics." Well, the world is a scary place. We've managed, at least in the industrialized nations, to take a lot of the scary out of it - but remember those petrol strikes in the UK last year? Another few days and the stores would have been empty. It can happen anywhere, any time. What's the harm in being ready for it? Then when it doesn't happen, you've just got some extra resources. But when it does - and eventually it will - you'll be very glad you read this book." - review by an Amazon.Com customer.
"Crisis Preparedness Handbook: A Complete Guide to Home Storage and Physical Survival" - Jack A. Spigarelli"Best Crisis Preparation Book. This book is well organized, covers all aspects from food storage, Food preparation, Water supply, food production, preservation, etc. It provides lists which the reader can use to start preparing. It certainly does not contain everything you will ever need for every situation, but it provides the foundation, and references where you can learn more. I have bought many of these types of books, and this is quite simply the best if you are only going to buy just one." - review by an Amazon.Com customer, who gave this book a '5-star' rating."A solid, fact-filled, potentially live saving guide. Now in an updated second edition, Crisis Preparedness Handbook: A Comprehensive Guide To Home Storage And Physical Survival by Jack A. Spigarelli is a solid, practical, no-nonsense, but completely "user friendly" reference for the selection and acquisition of stockpiled food and water for emergencies; growing, raising, and finding food; preserving food at home by means such as home canning and dehydrating; emergency evacuation in a crisis; and other preparation safeguards for weathering a natural or man-made crisis. From clothing issues to transportation needs and communication alternatives, the Crisis Preparedness Handbook is a solid, fact-filled, potentially live saving guide, and especially recommended reading for anyone seeking to protect themselves and their loved ones in times of local, regional, national, or international calamity." - review by an Amazon.Com customer, who gave this book a '5-star' rating.
"All preparedness areas covered. This book will help you be ready for anything no matter what the disaster. It's not just a food storage book (although food and water are quite important and it is excellent in that area), but is crammed with all kinds of pertinent facts and useful information about all areas of emergency preparedness. I especially liked the chapter on preparing for terrorism and NBC warfare considering current events. Banish fear and feel secure-prepare now! You'll be glad you did. " - review by an Amazon.Com customer, who gave this book a '5-star' rating.
"Makes the tremendous task of preparing manageable. If you want to be self-sufficient and capable of surviving under all circumstances, the task of preparing can seem overwhelming. This very informative and organized book lays the numerous possibilities out before you and helps you decide for yourself how much or how little preparation makes you feel comfortable. The food storage section isn't limited to "what I did" or just a list of what someone else thinks you ought to store, but it actually uses a simple step-by-step method with an example family to help you design your own food plan based on what your family really wants and needs. I also loved the question and answer section. It helped me answer the many questions we've got from family, friends and neighbors. The book shows you how to tell if a food is "bad", when you can safely re-freeze thawed food and how to use sprouts for added nutrition. It also explains how to grow your own food with a garden and how to preserve it, guides you in selecting and raising animals and even gives a "taste test" for when you aren't sure if food you've found in the wilds is good to eat. Everyone would sleep better at night if they had read-and followed-this book. Highly recommended." - review by an Amazon.Com customer, who gave this book a '5-star' rating.
"Best over-all source on preparedness available.I've read 'em all and this is absolutely the best over-all source available on emergency home preparedness. I consider it a "must have" for anyone seriously interested in preparing themselves or their families for whatever crises may happen, be it terrorist attacks, riots, revolution, famines or just hard economic times. Not only is it the most up-to-date, it also contains a ton of useful information. And, unlike some, it's not just a compilation of old government sources but contains the most original research and info I've seen anywhere by far.
It is well thought-out, intelligently written, and just as applicable for the experienced or the first-time beginner. It tells you everything you need to know about both short- and long-term storage beginning with the critical food and water. It honestly compares the different types of food, tells what you need to store, how much you need, and where to store it. Then it discusses the other areas of preparation (too many to list here) and expertly guides you through each of them. There are many tables and charts showing you the options and helping you not overlook anything important. It has an extensive book list for additional in-depth information and gives specific sources for obtaining hard-to-find items along with addresses, phone numbers and web sites. If you only buy one book this should be it." - review by an Amazon.Com customer, who gave this book a '5-star' rating.
"Be Alert, Be Aware, Have a Plan: The Complete Guide to Protecting Yourself, Your Home, Your Family" - Neal Rawls, Sue Kovach"Being prepared means being in control. Here is hard-won advice from a veteran security expert for people who want to protect themselves and their families in any situation. Whether you're letting the kids out to play, making an ATM withdrawal, driving through a strange city, or leaving your home for a weeklong vacation, the threat of danger-unlikely as you hope it might be-is real.
Rather than focusing on fixing problems after they've occurred, Be Alert, Be Aware, Have a Plan shows how to prevent them in the first place. You don't need a personal bodyguard, rigorous training, or a fortified living space to live safely, points out Neal Rawls. What you do need is a sense of security that will lead to good habits that in turn will keep you safe.
Rawls, a veteran police sergeant and a former director of security for a major corporation, shows how to develop the right security instincts. He provides answers to such questions as:Be Alert, Be Aware, Have a Plan will allow you to develop a foundation that can be expanded to serve you in even the worst circumstances. Profusely peppered throughout are anecdotes, lists, and quizzes to keep the reader on the right track to personal safety.
- How secure is my workplace?
- How do I stay safe while out in public?
- Can I travel safely?
- Can anything be done to protect myself in a chemical or biological attack?
There is simply nothing like it available. Travel safely on foot; teach your kids to protect themselves; hire a babysitter; avoid being followed; prevent muggings; protect your home from burglary; stop credit card fraud; deal with phone solicitations; counter road rage; avoid car theft and carjackings; react to terrorist attacks and natural disasters; stay secure in a hotel or motel; prevent stalking; use the Internet safely; react to chemical spills and other biological hazards and much, much more."About the Author: Neal Rawls is a former police officer and security chief of an international corporation, responsible for worldwide security for his company.
Sue Kovach is a freelance journalist, author, and photographer whose work has appeared in major publications worldwide."Excellent book -- What everyone must know to stay safe. I heard the author on the G.Gordon Liddy radio show and was impressed, so I got the book. I found it to be an easy read, packed with useful tips and advice on many subjects, such as protecting children, dealing with stalkers (men and women), violence in the workplace and travel safety, as well as popular security topics like home and car security. The author is a former police officer and corporate security director, and he uses fascinating, sometimes humorous anecdotes throughout the book to illustrate important points. The book is well organized by topic, but before getting into specifics, Rawls discusses the psychology of criminals and how they choose their victims. Like Gavin De Becker's "The Gift of Fear," this book also covers the importance of developing and using your own instincts to stay safe. But unlike De Becker, Rawls offers succinct, easy-to-remember tips for staying safe, many that I'd not heard of before. A very good book that's timely and answers a lot of the personal security questions we all have on our minds these days." - review by an Amazon.Com customer, who gave this book a '5-star' rating.
"Better get this book! I live and work close to an urban area where crime is becoming a problem. I also have my own personal stalker (I am not a victim!). I've been reading quite a few books on personal security and THIS IS ONE OF THE BEST! It is broken down into chapters focusing on becoming "streetwise," security in the home, at work, in your car, traveling, meeting and dating people and protecting our children. It also covers natural disasters and acts of terrorism. The author, Neal Rawls, writes from experience, having been a police officer and now a corporate security director. He provides examples of how people are conned, threatened and just plain unaware of what is going on around them within each chapter, THEN, he provides concise and practical advice on how to protect yourself and those you care for. It's a great kick in the pants to remind ourselves to be just as it says.
Big print, so fast reading and some drawings to show examples. Better get this book!" - review by an Amazon.Com customer, who gave this book a '5-star' rating."Sensible advice regarding terrorism This is the best information I've found about being prepared and protecting yourself from terrorism. It covers evacuation plans, different types of terror attacks and what you can do at home or in public, and gives a lot of good information about gas masks, bio hazard suits, and other things we're all concerned about right now. I highly recommend this book. It offers good survival sense." - review by an Amazon.Com customer, who gave this book a '5-star' rating.
"Storey's Basic Country Skills: A Practical Guide to Self-Reliance" - M. John StoreyThis is the book for anyone who wants to become more self-reliant, from suburbanites with 1/4 of an acre to country homesteaders with several. The information is easily understood and readily applicable.
More than 150 of Storey's expert authors in gardening, building, animal raising, and homesteading share their specialized knowledge and experience in this ultimate guide to living a more independent, satisfying life.Readers will find step-by-step, illustrated instructions for every aspect of country living including:
From the Back Cover:
- Finding and buying land
- Buying, building, and renovating a home
- Developing water sources and systems
- Understanding wiring, plumbing, and heating
- Using alternative heating and energy sources
- Vegetable, flower, and herb gardening
- Traditional cooking skills such as baking bread and making maple syrup
- Preparing and preserving meat, fruits, and vegetables
- Building and maintaining barns, sheds, and outbuildings
- Caring for common farm and ranch animals, and pets
REDISCOVER THE BASIC SKILLS OF COUNTRY LIFE!
Whether it's making ice cream or sharpening an ax, cleaning a chimney or growing raspberries, you'll learn how to do it in this treasury of time-honored country wisdom. Illustrated step-by-step instructions will show you how to milk a cow, tap a maple tree, clean a fish, lead a horse, and build the best chicken coop. You'll find out how to heat your house with wood or by the sun and how to de-skunk a country dog. You'll learn the proper way to put in a water system, rewire an old house, stack a cord of wood, and grow fruits, vegetables, and herbs.
Yearning for a more self-reliant life? You'll find the answers in Storey's Basic Country Skills.About the Author: While Storey's Basic Country Skills has no one specific author -- as it is a compilation of the best of Storey's projects, plans, and sage advice -- John and Martha's voice of experience rings loud and true throughout the book. Their vision, combined with the editorial expertise of Deb Burns (also a Storey author!) brought this treasury of country wisdom to fruition.
Martha also lent her party-planning advice to Keeping Entertaining Simple. She has mastered the art of relaxed hostessing, whether giving small dinner parties for close friends or large corporate picnics, and she shares her secrets and inspiring ideas with readers. Country-living publisher for more than 17 years, Martha also draws on her country roots to bring you the time-honored classics of the American country kitchen in her book, Treasured Country Recipes from Martha Storey and Friends.
John and Martha Storey founded Storey Communications, Inc. in 1983. They have three children and eight grandchildren. They live in western Massachusetts and farm in Westport, New York.What reviewers had to say:
"From Fighting Flu to Cleaning Your House...What Country Folk Know that You Don't." Now your audience can learn all the wisdom and secrets that have been passed down from generation to generation of folks living in the country. Tips on how to use rubbing alcohol, lighter fluid and vinegar when cleaning, and how to plant a cold and flu garden to make your winter healthier and happier." - Radio-TV Interview Report"Edited by Deborah Burns, subtitled "A Practical Guide to Self-Reliance", this encyclopedia is big enough for the coffee table but better suited to the tool shed. In addition to providing bushels of advice on gardening, it's a manual for everyday survival in rural America...Some skills you might pick up: how to build a garden shed, caring for pet llamas, techniques for building a stone wall and making your own preserves. Even if you only use 1 percent of the information in it, BCS is fascinating reading." - The Boston Herald
"I could easily spend my whole column on this complete, modern encyclopedia to the art and science of country living...I wish I'd had Storey's Basic Country Skills 25 years ago!" - The Patriot News
"Basic Country Skills lives up to its billing, although why "country" is chosen might be debated by any delighted city gardener who receives this almost 600-page tome as a gift. Over a third of the book concerns gardening, pure and simple, but the home maintenance and cooking sections are of value, also.The Toronto City Gardening Monthly Newsletter- The Toronto City Gardening Monthly Newsletter
"You can do ANYTHING with Storey's Basic Country Skills." - Beyond the Cover Magazine
"Since 1983 the publisher (Storey) has produced more than 500 titles about country living. Now, it has boiled down this vast library of knowledge and placed it in one giant 3 pound, 576 page book. Even if you are a city dweller, without chickens or sheep, you will find a wealth of information about maintaining a home and garden." - Cleveland Plain Dealer
A Selection of Country Homes & Garden Book Club - from the Publisher
What readers say about this superb book:
"Super book. Not only is there a bounty of excellent and easily accessible information in this book but it is enjoyable to read. This book is a good place to start if you're thinking of rural living." - review by an Amazon.Com customer, who gave this book a '5-star' rating." Another great book in the "Storey" series. Storey, for me, is quickly becoming my reference book of choice, as far as "how to live on a farm if you weren't born on one" goes. This book was my jumping off point. It contains sections on how to buy land, how to build your home, how to raise chickens, sheep, goats, pigs, and cows. I should note, however, that this book is more like a "compilation" of works by other authors. The Basic Country Skills (BCS) extracts information from many other books, and puts them in one reference text. There are a few parts where I think the editors forgot to re-label diagrams (specifically in the "how to butcher a cow" section) but if you're planning on slaughtering your own animals, you should probably buy a reference manual specific to butchering to compliment this one. BCS is a great book for people like me who are planning to buy a little patch of earth somewhere far away from the hubub of city life, but who can only dream about it for the present. BCS is a great primer for those who want to get closer to where our food comes from than waxed supermarket produce, or shrinkwrapped beef. I'm not a vegetarian, but it doesn't seem fair for meat eaters to eat something that they didn't have to feed and care for, and finally, to come to terms with the fact that this animal you've had for 9 months is going to be the beef for your family for the next year. Taking its life, so that you can continue yours.. that should be each of our (meat-eaters anyway) responsibility. To treat our food with dignity, and kindness, and thank it for nourishing and providing for us." - review by an Amazon.Com customer, who gave this book a '5-star' rating.
"This is a FANTASTIC reference book. I bought this book for my husband who owns and operates a saw mill. He also raises bees. This book has sections on his interests and mine as well. There is information on gardening, canning, animal care, herbs and so much more. There are wonderful recipies and literally hundreds of tips and ideas. This is a book will we read and read again. It has very clear illustrations and clear, useful directions. A real find." - review by an Amazon.Com customer, who gave this book a '5-star' rating.
"Storey's Basic Country Skills. This is a GREAT resource book. It contains a little bit of info on just about anything you could want to know about. It is amazing how much it covers--and how well. It is full of very good advice, techniques, and practical skills and solutions for not only country dwellers, but for anyone interested in being able to rely on themselves--inside the home (covers anything from electrical help to help in the kitchen with recipes and canning/freezing) to the great outdoors (covers decks, gardening and tree houses to caring for livestock). I just recently moved to the country, and I will be using this book as a primary reference and guide for many of the projects I have planned. Thank you, John and Martha Storey!" - review by an Amazon.Com customer, who gave this book a '5-star' rating.
"When Technology Fails: A Manual for Self-Reliance and Planetary Survival" - Matthew Stein"When Technology Fails is a practical "how to" manual that helps people to prepare for and deal with disruptions in the normal course of life. In today's world of terrorist acts and super storms, it is an invaluable reference covering a wide variety of subjects such as emergency preparedness, survival, first aid, renewable energy, alternative healing, sustainable agriculture, green-building technologies, and low-tech methods for providing the basics for yourself if deprived of access to the comforts of modern living. Each chapter also includes a Whole Earth Catalog style reference guide to the best books, organizations and web sites relevant to that chapter's topic. In today's world of terrorism, global warming, super-storms, record breaking floods, severe droughts, antiquated and overloaded electrical distribution systems, it is likely that most of us will see significant disruptions in the flow of electricity and goods at some point in our lives. An old Chinese! saying asks, "Is it not already too late if one waits until one is thirsty to begin digging a well?" This saying applies equally at both the personal and planetary levels. On the micro level (personal survival), a little planning, training, education and individual action can significantly reduce one's sense of helplessness. On the macro level (global sustainability), large numbers of people must be awakened to the need for change before governments and the majority of businesses make a sustainable future their number one priority. On both levels, action is required to promote a positive outcome. We live in the "Information Age" and knowledge is power. When Technology Fails is an exceptional source of information, providing something of value for almost everyone, ranging from the environmentalist who wishes to reduce man's impact on the planet to the average person who simply wishes to provide for friends and family in the event of an emergency.""Information on self-reliance and sustainability. In When Technology Fails: A Low Tech Guide To Self Reliance And Planetary Survival, Matthew Stein provides accessible, reader friendly, "user friendly", practical information on self-reliance, sustainability, present environmental trends, emergency survival techniques, disaster supplies/preparations, the basics of metalworking, first aid, low-tech medicine and healing, better living through low-tech chemistry, and a great deal more. A very highly recommended reference for the ecology-minded, the survivalist, and those of limited means seeking to enhance the quality of their lives, this concise, single-volume compendium of tips, tricks and techniques is an ideal directory or resources and instructional guide to a sustainable technology for living in an unstable world." - review by an Amazon.Com customer, who gave this book a '5-star' rating.
[We would point out that this book has a pronounced 'New Age' emphasis, which is reflected in some of its content. Purchasers will find it practical and useful, but some may prefer to know of this in advance of ordering it]
"The NEW Passport To Survival. 12 Steps to Self-Sufficient Living" - Rita Bingham, James Talmage Stevens, Esther Dickey, Clair C. Bingham"I LOVE this book! The information is clear and concise. The section in the back on how to organize neighborhood groups is excellent. I'm buying one for everyone in my family." - Sarah Taylor, satisfied purchaser."This is definitely a WOMAN'S preparedness book. It is well written and so easy to follow. It's not overwhelming at all." - Rebecca Ensign, satisfied purchaser.
"The New Passport To Survival is your Passport To Peace, your ticket to a self-sufficient lifestyle - whether you choose to live in a city, a suburb, or in a rural area. This book will show you how to prepare, without panicking, for all kinds of disasters-loss of a job, natural and man-made disasters, or global calamities. "
"This book is designed to provide preparedness SOLUTIONS. You won't find scary information about WHY you should be more self-sufficient...just practical guidelines so you can get started doing something TODAY to help you rely less on commercially prepared food and supplies as you move toward a simpler life style.
The revision of Passport has been a labor of love - dedicated to my mother, Esther Dickey, who wrote the original Passport To Survival over 30 years ago. In updating this work, I am passing on a legacy of how to live a simpler and healthier lifestyle by utilizing basic foods. While my mother pioneered the use of four basic foods-wheat, powdered milk, honey, and salt-I recommend seven basics-grains, legumes, sprouting seeds, salt, honey, oil, and powdered milk (optional).
I urge people to do something positive about being prepared...for all kinds of disasters that lie ahead. As James Stevens, author of Making the Best of Basics, says, "There are no emergencies for those who are truly prepared." From the book's back cover: Everyone will experience their own emergencies...This book will teach you how to prepare for emergencies BEFORE disaster strikes!
- Loss of income or the family wage earner
- Unexpected medical expenses
- Natural or man-made disasters
- Interrupted food supplies
- Water shortages or contamination
- Power outages, and who knows what else?
About the Author: Since 1966, Rita Bingham has taught classes on cooking with basic foods. Her mother, Esther Dickey, wrote Passport To Survival more than 30 years ago, and spent many years crisscrossing the country, teaching seminars on cooking and survival techniques. Rita follows in her footsteps as she shares her knowledge of how to turn whole foods into quick, easy meals with thousands of people interested in taking responsibility for their health and well-being. Her recipes have received rave reviews by satisfied customers around the world. Rita has written a series of books on healthful eating; produced a training video to demonstrate some of the many ways nutritious foods can be prepared with a minimum amount of time; written articles for newspapers and magazines; co-hosted radio shows providing information and recipes for healthy eating. She has consulted for companies to help create marketable food products. She has also provided training on how to include nutritious foods in weight loss programs.
- What, Why, Where and How to Store;
- How to Choose and Prepare the Best Foods for Good Health;
- How to Sprout and Grow your own Food;
- Emergency Doctorin' for Acute Illnesses;
- How to Design a Food Storage Program you can USE!
Rita is the creator of 3-minute soups, sauces and gravies made from bean, pea and lentil flours. Bob's Red Mill (Milwaukie, OR) mills and markets these flours across the US and Canada. These flours can also be used in all types of breads, as well as in any other recipe calling for wheat flour.
Excerpted from The NEW Passport To Survival. 12 Steps to Self-Sufficient Living by Rita Bingham. Copyright © 1999.
Chapter 2
What If?
In the 1950's, my family began to heed the counsel to do all we could to learn to become self-sufficient. Over the last 40+ years, none of the predicted major wars, widespread devastating earthquakes, or global financial chaos we prepared for ever materialized. Is there really any reason, then, for me to write this book to encourage you to prepare for possible disasters? Yes, yes, yes and yes!, because disasters of all kinds are on the increase.
Consider the following facts:
According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the number of earthquakes registering 6.0 and higher remained fairly constant up until 1950, averaging 2-4 per decade. The numbers then began increasing significantly (See chart below.) Surprisingly, the increase in volcanic eruptions follows a very similar pattern. Tornado totals for 1916 through 1998 follow the same pattern, with a dramatic increase during the 1990s.
We are seeing record-breaking storms, flooding, drought, hot and cold temperatures, as all of our weather becomes more severe. Many times each year, rescue efforts are organized to help in areas of widespread disaster. When will it end? According to Revelation and other books of scripture, as we get closer to the Savior's coming, extreme weather conditions will become the norm, rather than the exception, making the predicted famines inevitable.
Wars and rumors of war have also steadily increased. According to the United Nations reports, violence in 1998 has almost doubled that in 1997.
Disease is increasing, despite modern medical advances. The plague of AIDS has become the leading cause of death for the 25-44 year old male in the U.S. According to Roger K. Young, author of "...And There Shall Be Signs...", "Pfesteria, Hauntavirus, Ebola, Heart Disease, Cancer, Diabetes, Gonorrhea, Syphilis, Super Tuberculosis, Plague, Lyme disease, Gulf War Syndrome....are just a few of the diseases that are running rampant throughout the world. Most have become incurable in that they are, or have become, immune to treatment by antibiotics."
Even though catastrophic events and diseases are increasing, many people live in areas of the country where they are relatively unaffected. Does that mean those people need not prepare for disasters?
A disaster doesn't have to be MAJOR to produce major consequences capable of upsetting normal everyday routines, or even to produce a scene much like the Nightmare Dream mentioned in the previous chapter. There are many disasters that can and do occur in families, neighborhoods, or communities that can be minimized or averted, IF we are prepared.
After all, we've been strongly urged since 1937 (Conference Report, April 1937, p. 26.) to store a year's supply of food and other necessities in our homes, against any one or a combination of the several possible emergencies-unemployment, sickness, strikes, famine, civil disorder, war, and so on. To be unprepared despite the repeated warnings would certainly increase the nightmare quality of the experience.
In the following "What If" scenarios, many of which have actuall