Barry Naismith of OHSIntros has provided excellent independent analysis of Victoria’s occupational health and safety (OHS) data for many years. His latest “Deaths at Work” report (available publicly for a limited time) includes a detailed discussion on the social context of Victoria’s proposed Industrial Manslaughter (IM) laws.
But of more immediate interest is Naismith’s longitudinal analysis. One of his graphs showing death statistics back to the commencement of Victoria’s modern-era OHS laws in 1985 supports the statement popular with politicians that the rate of work-related deaths is declining over that time but Naismith points out that the five-year trend to 2018 is reversed and that this is part of the justification for the IM Laws.
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It is that time of year again. It can be easy to get overwhelmed at the holidays. I have attempted to put together some pointers and gift ideas to get through this time of year without going over budget or … Continued
At the close of a successful 2019 RoSPA Health and Safety Awards, 20% of entries received were from international organisations… that’s more than ever before! From Mauritius to Hong Kong, our awards community continues to grow year after year.
Based at their head office in Shenzhen, China, we spoke to Huang Yuan Zheng, President of China General Nuclear Europe Energy (CGN EE), about their awards journey towards their first RoSPA Health and Safety Award...
What motivates you/your organisation to enter the RoSPA Awards?
RoSPA is an international organisation for the prevention of accidents, it is an honour for CGN EE to receive recognition from this institution.
What benefits does winning a RoSPA Award have for you/your organisation?
The Awards help us to demonstrate our commitment to excellent standards. In addition, it contributes to motivating our workforce to become better and better in that field. We are always looking for ways to improve our organisation.
Which innovative approaches, risk assessment practices and/or control measures to manage health and safety are you particularly proud of from your most recent RoSPA Awards submission?
At CGN EE we have adopted a range of tools which help us in many ways to standardise practices, be more efficient and communicate in advance upcoming dangerous weather conditions during maintenance work.
Five HSE tools have been acquired:
Software managing all statutory checks of our assets and helps us to manage training, all safety equipment and HSE documents
Software dedicated to regulatory analysis in all the countries where CGN EE is located
Software for the HSE induction of our contractors
A system for the forecast of lightning in order to keep our contractors informed about dangerous weather conditions
HSE audit software.
What outcomes have come from your organisation’s approach to health and safety management (e.g. fewer accidents, reduced absence/lost working days, greater feelings of staff wellbeing etc.)?
We are able to communicate and share a range of indicators via monthly SHE reports and as part of our management reviews. The indicators include, but are not limited to, the following:
Status of the current construction sites
Accidents and near-miss
Incidents and hazards
Safety observations
Initiatives
Training/inductions
Current issues
Environmental management
Behavioural safety observations and performance
Audits and inspections
Safety actions required to be flagged.
What do you enjoy most about the RoSPA Awards process?
It takes time, effort and hard work to improve HSE within a company. CGN EE has always placed this field as a critical business operation on a day to day basis. This recognition confirms that we are working in the right direction since the beginning of our activities in 2014, but it is just the beginning…
What do you think entrants could do over the year to keep drafting an awards submission simple?
To keep drafting an awards submission simple, entrants should keep track and proof of the efficiency of their system throughout the year. They also need to think about continuous improvement and how to improve HSE performance.
What advice would you give to organisations considering entering the RoSPA Awards for the first time?
RoSPA Awards is a long term process, it reflects the effectiveness and commitment of an organisation in term of HSE. My advice is to focus on improving the HSE performance of your organisation and the Awards process will be naturally delivered to those who can demonstrate this efficiency.
How would you convince organisations not entering the RoSPA Awards to start entering?
RoSPA is a well-known organisation for the prevention of accident, it helps companies to improve their HSE performance based on the continuous improvement approach. Following RoSPA guidelines is a guarantee to work in the right direction for the management of HSE. In addition, the internal and external recognition achieved will be motivating for all interested parties.
Has your organisation got what it takes to achieve a RoSPA Award? Our internationally-renowned RoSPA Health and Safety Awards provides the perfect opportunity to globally benchmark your organisation. Click here to read how winning a RoSPA Award has benefited other organisations…
We are proud to announce our 2019 Will Hike for Food hike and food drive! Once again we will be collaborating with Walking Pasasdena and collecting food items for donation to Friends in Deed. The hike will take place at Cherry Canyon Park in Glendale. Approximate distance will be 3 miles with some moderate climbing. Parking is free and leashed dogs are welcome.
In the past, NHLA has scheduled Will Hike for Food events on Black Friday to tie-in with the #OptOutside movement. This time, we will be hiking on Saturday, November 30th at 9am, to allow those who have to work on Black Friday the opportunity to join us. Of course, if you have Friday off, you should #OptOutside anyways – and since the Saturday after Thanksgiving is Small Business Saturday, if you decide to reward yourself with a post-hike burger, beer or kale salad, feel free to patronize your favorite local small business.
One last note: this year, in a new twist, the food drive hike will be taking place on BOTH coasts – NHLA founder David Lockeretz will be leading a food drive hike at Minute Man National Historic Park at 10am on Sunday, December 1st. This hike will start at the Minute Man National Historic Park visitor center at 250 Great Rd., Lincoln, MA. Donations will go to the Greater Boston Food Bank.
No matter which coast you find yourself on this Thanksgiving weekend, join us to get some exercise, meet some people and give back to the community!
But, you’ve never hiked before. Maybe you’re
nervous, lost, or confused about how to get started.
Don’t worry. We’ve all been there, and no one
is born a hiking expert. We all have to develop our skills from scratch.
In this article, I’ll give you some pointers on how to get started hiking. These tips will create the bedrock of your hiking experience.
Always hike with a partner.
Don’t Go At It Alone
Although solo hiking is an excellent way to
clear your mind and get some alone time, the truth is that most beginners should
find a hiking buddy.
The reason why? Safety. You never know what
will happen when you’re out in the wild. You might get bit by a snake, you
might sprain your ankle, or you might get lost.
These situations are tough by themselves, and
they’re even harder when you’re alone in the middle of nowhere with no cell
service.
That’s why you should hike with a partner or a group. Your comrades will be there for you to make sure you finish the hike in the same condition you started it in.
On top of that, a hiking buddy can provide motivation when you get tired. They’ll also give you fun banter and hearty conservation, which is always a plus in my book.
Plan ahead and choose your perfect hiking trail.
Choose The Right Trail
Now that you’ve got your hiking squad
selected, it’s time to decide where you’re going to hike.
This is probably the most critical puzzle
you’ll face when preparing for your hike. You don’t want to get stuck on a trail that’s too hard, and you
don’t want to get bored by a flat, uninspiring trail.
The best trail for beginners is a “Goldilocks”
trail – not too hard, not too easy, but just right.
What distance, difficulty, and elevation this
equates to is difficult to define. Everybody has different levels of experience
and fitness, so there’s no “one size fits all answer.”
For a beginner, I recommend you start with a
hike that’s longer than 2 miles but less than 5 miles. This length will give
you a challenge, but won’t risk you getting caught in the forest.
If you’re struggling to decide, err on the side of caution and start with a shorter trail. The good news about small trails is that you can do them twice! There’s nothing wrong with picking a 2-mile trail and doing multiple laps. This is a simple way to tailor the length to your skill level.
How To Find The Right Hiking Route
You know what to look for in a trail, but
where do you find the right path? There are a million places to find hiking
trails, but I figured I’d mention some of my favorite resources.
REI Stores
– often have experienced guides who’ll share knowledge with you
Browse these sites, and I’m sure you’ll be able to find the perfect trail for your next adventure.
Take precautions ahead of time so you don’t wind up lost on your hike.
Don’t Get Lost
Once you’ve chosen the right trail, make sure
you’re prepared to navigate it.
There are a handful of apps out there that
allow you to download hiking maps to your phone. But, your phone battery might
die, or you might be stuck without cell service. That’s why it’s essential to
bring a map.
There are two options for getting a hiking
map. You can either buy one in advance from an outdoors store or pick up one at
the trailhead.
Most American parks have free maps available
when you enter the park. Make sure you pick one of these up and familiarize
yourself with the trails.
Another old-school tip for staying on the path – bring a compass. You can get a quality compass for a few dollars. With that small investment, you’ll now always be able to find your way. A compass and a park map will go a long way!
It’s important to have proper gear for the hike you choose.
Bring The Right Gear
At this point, you’ve got your hiking partner
and trail picked out. Now it’s time for everyone’s (least) favorite activity –
packing.
Contrary to popular belief, packing for hiking
is not that difficult. For day hikes, the most necessary items to bring are:
Water – bring more than you think
Snacks – non-perishable,
high-calorie foods like nuts, granola, or beef jerky
Sun protection – hat, long
sleeves, and sunscreen
Regarding clothes, don’t feel like you need to
go overboard. For short hikes, a pair of sneakers and some gym clothes will be
acceptable. Just make sure you’re ready for the sun (with long sleeves) or cold
(with warm layers).
Also, consider elevation gain might change the
weather. Higher altitude increases the odds of precipitation and frigid cold. A
sweater and rain-jacket are crucial for high-height hikes.
On top of that, consider the following
emergency precautions in case things go south. These aren’t entirely necessary,
but if you have them, they’re definitely worthwhile to bring:
Compass
Map
First-aid kit
Matches/lighter
Emergency Shelter
Once you’ve got all your gear lined up, throw it all in a high-quality daypack. A comfortable backpack that fits a lot of stuff is an affordable way to make sure your back doesn’t ache after hours of hiking. My favorite is the Osprey Daylite Plus.
Putting It All Together
Whew, that’s a lot of tips. I hope they’ve
been helpful.
If you take away one thing from this article,
remember that: “it’s a marathon, not a sprint.”
Everyone feels great when you start hiking, and you don’t want to burn all your fuel in the first hour. There’s nothing worse than being tired and hungry stuck in the middle of a long hike. Be patient, be prepared, and above all – enjoy yourself!
If you liked this article, make sure you check out my in-depth guide on hiking for beginners.
Mike Miller is the editor-in-chief of WildernessTimes.com – a site designed to make the outdoors, fun, easy, and accessible. After getting tired of wasting away in front of a computer screen, Mike decided to make hiking and camping his life’s passion.
Climate change is all over the news. Let’s take a look at what this might mean for preppers and the prepping market as a whole, but first…
Is Climate Change Real?
Climate change is a political subject, and in today’s political climate, that means it’s a polarizing subject. Those on the right say it isn’t happening. Those on the left say the sky is falling. There isn’t much common ground.
By Rangerman, contributing author to SHTFblog and Survival Cache
Farmer examining corn plants in field during a drough
Self-identifying as the political middle, I generally try to avoid political subjects these days. Those on the left call me conservative while those on the right call me liberal. Where I stand really depends on the issue, however. As for climate change, I believe the science. It’s real. It’s happening.
That puts me in a precarious position. I write to preppers, and preppers are an overwhelming conservative audience. It’s not uncommon, if I write something about climate change, to hear people call me names, tell me I’ve been duped, and just stop following me altogether. But one thing you quickly learn after throwing yourself out there online, is that you can’t please everyone. People will call you names no matter the position you take. You need thick skin.
I have seen the conversation change over time, however. Fewer people are outright denying that climate change is happening. People are transitioning from “it’s not real” to “it’s real, but it’s not man-made.” Alternatively, they are going from “it’s not real” to “it’s happened before, and there’s nothing we can do about it.”
I’ve been in the prepping business long enough to see the ebbs and flows of the market. I was on the early side of it, when “prepper” was still associated with the fringe “survivalist” folks – loners in the woods sitting on stockpiles of guns and ammo. Since then, “prepper” has become a household term with prepping becoming far more mainstream than it has ever been to the point freeze dried food can be purchased in everyday places like Costco. Reasonable people are preppers. In fact, once you look at the many reasons to prepare, “reason” follows that you must prep!
The same as 9/11, the government’s poor response to Katrina, and the Great Recession, global warming will draw another wave of people to prepping. It may be the biggest draw ever. This may be a different crowd than your typical recession prepper, civil unrest prepper, etc., but the climate change prepper will grow in numbers. You can see this already through events like climate change preparedness forums. These preppers will be younger, as today’s youth will face more of the consequences of global warming.
Climate Change Preppers Will Prep in Both Similar and Different Ways
Similar Ways of Prepping for Climate Change
What will prepping for climate change look like? In many ways, not that much different from prepping for anything else. A big part of prepping is preparing for natural disasters. Natural disasters and climate change go hand-in-hand. According to NASA, some of the effects of climate change on the United States will be:
Rising Temperatures – This will not be uniform across the country or over time.
Frost-free Growing Seasons Will Lengthen – Food-wise, this could be seen as a good thing, but read on.
More Droughts and Heat Waves – Just when you think the growing season will extend, heat waves and droughts will stress food security.
Hurricanes Will Become Stronger and More Intense – Storm intensity and rainfall from hurricanes will increase will require greater preparation for hurricanes.
Sea Levels Will Rise – Expect greater storm surges and higher tides. Don’t forget that warming oceans also impacts fishing.
As preppers, we should already be aware of the necessary basics for prepping. If you’re new to prepping, you can start by reading FEMA’s Are You Ready?book… but many preppers have pretty strong feelings about FEMA and their Katrina response. Still, the book covers the basics. If you’re following sites like SHTFblog and SurvivalCache, however, you’re already ahead of the game.
The basics, of course, include everything from having an emergency plan, having food and water stored, making a bug out bag, to the more mundane subjects of having financial protection for your house, apartment, etc. These are not new ideas for most preppers, but in what ways will climate change require new means of prepping?
Different Ways of Prepping for Climate Change
The same as prepping for a recession requires different methods than prepping for civil unrest, prepping for climate change will require different methods as well. While climate change will require preparing for more hurricanes in certain areas, there are longer-term issues that will need to be addressed. Here are a few:
Environmental Migration – There are already indications that climate change is driving mass migration around the globe. While the United States may not face the type of migration problems that people in Bangladesh, Africa, Central America, and Australia might face, the people in these places will have to go somewhere when drought and famine strike. Their migration will cause political and economic challenges around the globe. How can you prepare for that as an individual? I don’t know.
Food Shortages – Erratic weather will wreak havoc on agriculture. Farmers will experience drought, then abnormally heavy rainfall, then drought, then hail, etc. Food prices will swing up and down. The household impact will be felt at the grocery store checkout.
Gardening – Preparing for this could, and should, include growing more food at home. That could mean anything from an herb garden off your deck to a full-size family survival garden. Gardening, and doing it well, requires knowledge and experience. You can’t just go and plant a garden expecting results. Good soil often takes years to produce. Knowing how to prevent pests and crop disease also takes experience. That’s not even covering seed saving.
Preserving Food – If you’re growing your own food, you will eventually graduate to producing food that will take you through winter. That means not only growing more but preserving it. Buy a copy of the USDA Complete Guide to Home Canning and learn how to can. Maybe you will build a root cellar and/or dry storage.
Stocking Up – Remember that what hits farms will also hit you, so your garden could be subject to the same erratic weather. Stocking up on non-perishables is a basic tenet of prepping. For climate change, you will want to do more of that. Take advantage of sales. Stock a pantry and rotate stock. When there are shortages and prices are high, you can use the stock you already have.
Finances – Having your financial house in order makes sense on every level, and it also applies here. Energy may cost more. Homeowner’s insurance may cost more. Food may cost more. And, depending on where you live, you may also be face with…
Moving – Some people are already experiencing the urge to flee (think people in California who are under a near-constant threat of wildfires). People living along the coast may also be finding an urge to move inland. More and more people will be wondering where to escape climate change in the United States. Real estate prices will decline in some places, rise in others. If you are not wedded to a particular area, or your kids/grandkids are wondering where to live, getting ahead of the population move may be wise.
Why Climate Change Preppers Should be Welcomed
Whether you believe climate change is happening or not, whether you think it’s man-made or not, climate change preppers should be welcomed into the prepping community. Even if they don’t align with the typical prepper’s political beliefs, the more people that are prepared the better – regardless of their reasons!
Think of this practically, even if you have distaste for those with dramatically different political beliefs. If your neighbor is prepared, and your neighbor’s neighbor, that means greater security for you WTSHTF. Every prepared person means one less hungry person looking for what you might have. How can that be a bad thing?
And remember! When the apocalypse hits, when disease is rampant, politics will all get tossed aside when people band together for mutual survival. That bleeding-heart liberal down the street might be covering second watch when the neighborhood defenses go up against the hordes of zombies.
Part of the joy of hiking is finding new locations to explore and discover. If you’re an avid hiker, you might have already explored all the trails around your house and need a change of scenery. A small trip to a new location might be exactly what you need. Small islands are perfect for hikers because they allow you to escape the hustle of the real world and give you plenty of new trails to explore. They also offer different landscapes — some islands have volcanoes, others have lush fields, and others have rocky beaches. Whatever type of landscape you’re looking for, there is likely an island out there that has it!
If you want to switch up your hiking routine, travel to one of these islands for your next weekend trip.
Santa Cruz Island
Santa Cruz Island is part of the Channel Islands archipelago that is off the coast of California. This is the largest of the islands and the easiest one for hikers to get to. There are several trails for hikers to choose from, including flat trails and rugged paths. The shortest trails are less than a mile long, while the longest trail is 18 miles long. Hikers can also go off-trail, but they need to be mindful not to go over the boundary that leads into the Natural Conservatory property. Hikers that are looking to explore everything the island has to offer should book a campground in advance.
Anacapa
Anacapa is another island that is part of the Channel Islands. This island is composed of a series of islets that formed millions of years ago as a result of volcanic eruptions. This island is perfect for hikers that are looking for a day of hiking followed by an overnight camping trip. While the trails here are only two miles long and are relatively flat, hikers will get to experience beautiful coastlines and overlooks. Visitors must stay on the trails to protect the wildlife on the island. The island serves as a habitat for many types of breeding seabirds, including the California brown pelican, and the trails are in place to stop hikers from disturbing the nests.
Kaua’i
The state of Hawaii has several small islands that are perfect for hiking, but Kaua’i is the least commercially developed. This island is perfect for hikers that are looking for a trip that allows them to both hike and relax. Much of the island is covered in tropical rainforest and there are over 100 trails to explore. Hikers that are looking to lush greenery should explore the Kuilau Ridge Trail, while hikers wanting to explore undeveloped coastline should take the Maha’ulepu Heritage Coastal Trail. The tropical environment of the trails means that it is almost always a bit muddy on the trails. Hikers should also be prepared to encounter mosquitos.
Malta
Malta, an archipelago in the Mediterranean, is perfect for hikers that are looking for an adventure outside of the United States. There are a great variety of locations to hike at, from lush green fields full of flowers to barren fields full of sheep. Trails range in difficulty, but many will offer rugged terrain and secret caves to explore. The historical city of Valletta is ideal for hikers to stay at because of how easy it is to travel; according to Choice Holidays, the public transportation routes offered in Valletta connect the city to the rest of Malta. Hikers can also choose to travel to the nearby island of Gozo, which can be easily hiked in a day.
Saba
Another island for hikers that are looking to travel away from the states is Saba, a Caribbean island that is part of the Netherlands. The island has five distinct zones of vegetation, all with their own flora and fauna. The shortest trail on the island will take hikers to Flatrock, where they’ll find tide pools that are home to sea urchins and other types of sea critters. Other trails will take them to the summit of Mt. Scenery, the highest point on the island. There are a few camping locations throughout the island, but hikers can also choose to fly to the island from the airport in Sint Maarten, which is only 15 minutes from the island.
Final
Visiting a small island is a great way to change up your usual hiking routine. There are plenty of islands to visit off the shores of the United States, but for those that are looking to travel further away, a Mediterranean or Caribbean island might be of interest.
A Military Vet, known online for his pro-gun views and his posts on Instagram, was in a seven hour standoff with Putnam County, New York police after being red-flagged for having a 30 round mag (above the legal limit in NY). His house was surrounded by police, including an APC and SWAT officers. […]
Tucked into Angeles National Forest away from the crowds, this loop hike to Mt Islip from Crystal Lake offers a little bit of everything in a very doable package. Starting at one of the only natural lakes in Angeles National Forest, Crystal Lake, the hike follows well-marked trails, offers spectacular views, and summits Mt Islip at 8,250 ft. After soaking in the sweeping views from Catalina to the Mojave, you have a long, gradual downhill cruise back to the Crystal Lake Recreation Area.
Prepper Christmas gifts comes in as many shapes, sizes, and types as the survivalists who will use and cherish them. Our prepping holiday wish list includes gift ideas for everyone on your Christmas shopping list – no matter their age, self-reliance level, or even the degree of reluctance, they have shown to embrace the preparedness lifestyle.
Unlike so many prepper lists you will find floating around the internet, this is not merely a list of gear. Sure, there will be awesome and essential gear showcased in our Prepper Christmas Guide, but having all of the gear in the world will not save your life if you do not know how to use it or possess any other survival or survival homesteading skills.
The Prepper Christmas Guide list was created to an in-depth grouping of skill-building, emergency readiness, and survival retreat development.
Who Are These Prepper Christmas Gifts For?
Rural Preppers
Urban Preppers
Suburban Preppers
Tiny House Preppers
Prepping Families
Prepper Kids
Apartment Preppers
Senior Citizens
RV Preppers
Homeschooling Preppers
Survival Homesteaders
Off Grid Preppers
Newbie Preppers
Expert Level Preppers
Unprepared Family and Friends
Liveaboard Preppers
Yes, as you can clearly see the Prepper Christmas Guide has something for everyone… including yourself.
House and Home Essentials
Preppers who live in an off grid or tiny house home often live in modest houses that rely either solely or partially alternative fuel. These folks are also typically doing some type of homesteading and are extremely space conscious.
Survival themed gifts for tiny house and off grid preppers should not only enhance their prepping efforts, but embrace their particular lifestyle, and not take up space unnecessarily, and serve a vital function.
Tiny Salamander Stove
The Tiny Salamander Stove is perfect for an off the grid prepper with a home to heat. It will work equally well in either either a mobile or stationary tiny house.
In addition to warming an off grid house or tiny home, the Tiny Salamander Stove can be used to both cook upon and boil water. A stainless steel cooktop can be factory added to the base unit, as well as a rea water boiler and outside air intake.
The little wood stove pic was used with permission of the manufacturer
The Salamander Stove is made of cast iron, but due to its petite size, weighs only 110 pounds. It will fit in small space but yet is still suitable for a vast array of uses. It still boasts all of the same common attributes and prime features of larger and equally efficient large cast iron stoves.
This survival stove was designed to function with pre-heated secondary combustion technology to ensure it is clean burning, and can harness the utmost energy out of ever single 8-inch long log or lump of coal placed inside.
Even if the prepper who receives this fine gift has never installed a cast iron wood stove before, he or she should still be able to set it up in a short amount of time and get a nice cozy fire started.
Greenlight Planet Home Solar Indoor Hanging Lights
These solar light sets can be hung from a ceiling indoors or outside of an off grid prepper home or tiny house. The Greenlight Planet Home Solar lights sets come with three wall mountable switches and boast 200 lumen per lamp to provide multiple room lighting.
The lights are powered by solar and USB charging systems. The set of lights come with adjustable brightness settings.
Mr. Heater Big Buddy Indoor Propane Heater
The Mr. Heater portable propane heater boast an output of 4,000 to 18,000 BTU radiant heat. This indoor and outdoor safety approved propane heater is capable of heating up to 450 square feet of space and is 100 percent efficient.
This Mr. Heater Big Buddy model features an automatic shut off function if the heater is tipped over, if low oxygen levels inside the structure it is heating are detected, or if the pilot light goes out.
This Christmas gift idea has low, medium, and high temperature level settings, and connects in seconds to a propane tank for immediate use.
Wall Mount Ductless Mini Split Air Conditioner Heat Pump
This Wall Mount Ductless Mini Air Conditioner is designed to be powerful enough to heat a typical small room, making it perfect to cool a tiny house or small off grid cabin.
If the tiny house prepper is not living off the grid, he or she may also like the Wi-Fi kit that can be purchased additionally to be able to control the functions of the wall mount unit for a smartphone when they are on the go.
This cooling unit has a sleep mode function, smart pre-heating setting, low-voltage start up, and a dehumidifier function.
Lavario Portable Clothes Washer
This compact non-electric portable clothes washer is large enough to do a decent load of even thick materials like hoodies and jeans.
The Lavario Portable Clothes Washer is manually powered and cleans clothing in fewer than 20 minutes, while giving the user a decent arm workout in the process.
Preppers who live on a small to large parcel of land have far more options when it comes to raising livestock and growing your own groceries.
Even though rural preppers are better positioned to hunker down on a prepper retreat they create for themselves, their family, stockpiling the supplies they need to bug out with as much of their livestock and growing operation intact should also be taken into consideration when searching for a Christmas gift.
Urban, suburban, apartment, and small town preppers will not be able to raise large livestock on their survival homestead, but they too can often keep small livestock and grow a large portion of the fruits and vegetables they will need to feed the family.
Space conscious livestock enclosures, vertical gardening systems, and portable planters make ideal Christmas gifts for preppers and non-preppers who live in these types of environments.
The self-reliance seeds you plant (pun intended) by giving gifts that can be used to grow, raise, and preserve food to non-preppers can spark an interest in delving deeper into the preparedness lifestyle.
Children, especially homeschooled ones, can learn a great deal from homesteading related gifts. Senior citizens who may feel like a less vital part of a prepper group physically, may be able to provide a priceless amount of knowledge if they are included more in the daily self-reliance activities, perhaps ones they grew up doing on a family farm years ago.
Even if an elderly loved one might have mobility issues or staying at an assisted living facility, he or she could most likely be able to grow a planter vegetable in a room or herbs in a windowsill. Honestly, folks, granny really has no use for yet another pair of slippers this Christmas.
Lazy Buddy Chicken Coop
This small chicken coop is ideal for a prepper who does not have much space to keep chickens, or who may have large acreage that is already claimed by other structures and use.
Even if the beloved prepper on your shopping list has a chicken coop already and ample space, he or she may have been dreaming of keeping a different chicken variety or poultry bird entirely, and need a place to house them or something to use as a brooder.
A chicken coop is one of the great self-reliance gifts that does not immediately scream, “Prepper!” and could entice someone who might be more willing to consider themselves a homesteader or farm to table supporter, to engage in this type of common prepping activity.
A sturdy and easy entry poultry bird habitat like this LAZY Buddy Chicken Coop would also make a great gift for prepper kids and senior citizens. The egg box boast an easy entry from outside of the coop and is designed in a manner which will make it easy to clean.
This prefab chicken coop boasts a waterproof run for the small flock, and both an indoor and outdoor walking area, as well as sleeping quarters. Meat rabbits could easily reside in this habitat, as well.
The LAZY Buddy Chicken Coop is built from quality natural fir wood and finished with a non-toxic and eco-friendly varnish.
Portable Livestock Electric Net Fence
This portable livestock fence is designed to keep medium livestock like goats and sheep in place.
It can be used to rate the animals around a survival homestead when browsing for food or in a bugout scenario when the animals are taken along and need to be contained while feeding.
The fence can be purchased in either 35-inch or 42-inch tall varieties, and is 165 feet long. A solar energizer – charger must be purchased separately to power this portable electric fencing system.
Terra Color Vertical Stacking Planters
These compact yet fairly deep vertical stacking planters are excellent for not only small space preppers, but also for folks living on a large survival homestead who also want to engage in portable gardening and indoor growing during the cold weather months.
Large Walk-In Portable Tunnel Greenhouse
This plastic and coated steel greenhouse offers a large amount of space to start seeds and to extend the growing season. You can walk through this hoop house without ducking, and have ample room to move about while working on your potted vegetables, dwarf fruit and coffee trees, as well as herbs and medicinal plants.
Greenhouse kits come in a vast array of sizes, prices, and materials. You could spend about $1,500 and purchase a glass greenhouse kit that would fit in a large backyard on large acreage, or go small scale and buy a closet style greenhouse kit that can be set up on a small patio or balcony.
Grow Lights
Growing plants indoors over the winter or to give greenhouse plants an extra boost of heat and light will require the purchase of grow lights. Like greenhouses, grow lights come in various sizes and price ranges.
Indoor plant grow lights can be hung from the ceiling, an accompanying stand, or are made with a weighted base so they can sit on a table or stand next to plants.
Like several other survival homesteading items in this section of our Prepper Christmas Guide, plant grow lights are another way to gently push some self-reliance skills and activities onto loved one who are resistant to your lifestyle – but could change their minds when continually urged into simple preparedness “hobbies” that seem more mainstream.
Insulated Coveralls
Survival homesteaders have a plethora of chores to get done no matter what the season or weather outside. A pair of insulated coveralls will be highly useful now as well as when the SHTF.
They come in multiple varieties, some with hats and some without, as well as designed in sizes specifically to fit men, women, and children.
Portable “Silent” Generator
Unless your prepping loved one is new to the self-reliant lifestyle, he or she should already have a generator to power their home. Smaller and portable generators, especially ones deemed to be “silent” or extremely quiet can be quite useful around a large survival homestead both not and during a long-term disaster.
A generator like the one linked in this section can also provide a clean and safe source of power for folks living in or bugging out in an RV, as well as those engaged in tiny house or off grid prepping.
Self-Reliance Hobbies and Self-Defense
There is probably no better way to encourage non-prepping loved ones to garner some self-reliance skills and greater appreciation for DIY skills than parlaying something they want to embark on as a hobby into a survival or homesteading skill.
If someone you care about has shown an interest in one of your skills or at least enjoyed the benefits of your abilities, consider expanding upon that initial interest with a hobby style prepping gift this Christmas.
A prepper on your holiday shopping list may also want to delve more deeply into a skill they are already mastering with an upgrade in their existing supplies and equipment.
Increasing your ability to defend yourself and your preps is an ongoing state of affairs. The affordable items in this section can help preppers with both their self-defense goals as well as hunting prowess.
Brother Sewing and Embroidery Machine
Learning how to make and repair your own clothing is a vital self-reliance skill. Sewing by hand or with an old-fashioned manual pedal machine would likely be necessary during a long-term disaster.
However, helping someone you love get bitten by the sewing bug with an awesome new machine that not only sews, but embroiders as well, could be the first step on the road to off grid sewing greatness.
Once your loved one learns how to sew (and embroider) with this combo Brother sewing machine, she could then be inspired to learn how to make her own patterns, turn old clothing into fabric and give it new life as something else useful – perhaps outfits for babies and little ones in your survival tribe.
Blacksmith Forge
Blacksmithing will be an essential skill to have during a long-term disaster – and for the years afterwards as society begins to rebuild itself. A single burner portable blacksmith forge won’t break your wallet, and is a perfect size for beginners to learn this pioneering skill.
Pottery Wheel
A compact or tabletop version of a pottery wheel is yet another affordable self-reliance skill training gift that is perfect for a prepper, no matter where they live.
These small electric pottery wheels are large enough to make cookware and similar items, yet still small enough they can easily be moved after use, and tucked away until needed again.
If you are handy, free plans abound on the internet teaching you how to extremely economically make your own manual kick wheel pottery wheel – which would be ideal for an off grid prepper – or someone preparing to be once the SHTF.
3D Deer Hunting Target
If a prepper on your list is an avid deer hunter – or would like to be, invest in a lifelike 3D deer hunting target, especially one with a replaceable core.
Even if your beloved deer hunter already has a similar target, getting one or two more would allow him or her to set up a full on 3D hunting trail in their woods for survival training.
Boot Knife
A boot knife is both a handy survival homesteading tool and a self-defense weapon. The knives are almost always fixed blade, and remain entirely hidden inside of a standard set of cowboy boots, work boots, hiking boots, or muck boots.
Books, Games, and Training
During the long, cold months of winter preppers have a little bit of idle time on their hands. There is no better way to fill a long evening than curling up with a great book that offers self-reliance tips or gathering around the kitchen table with loved ones and playing a survival game.
Doom And Bloom Survival Board Game
This board game for preppers was developed by Dr. Bones and Nurse Amy (Dr. Joe Alton and his wife, Amy) and focuses on realistic survival scenarios in a world after a SHTF pandemic event. Doom and Bloom Survival can be played alone or with up to four players (an up to eight player version is coming soon).
Medical prepping supplies and skills are always the most difficult to master as part of your survival plan. Dr. Joe and Nurse Amy are not only expert preppers, they are also wonderful people who stive to teach others how to protect and treat themselves when calling 911 is no longer an option.
Secret Garden of Survival
One of my favorite prepping mentors, Rick Austin – AKA the Survivalist Gardener, wrote this best-selling survival gardening book. Rick teaches the reader how to grow in guilds in the Secret Garden of Survival, and to create a sustainable food forest that will not be detected easily by prying eyes during a SHTF.
Rick and his wife, Survivor Jane, left lucrative professional jobs in the city to relocate to a small patch of heaven in western North Carolina to become full-time preppers.
Their dream of living a sustainable lifestyle has not only inspired, but helped tens of thousands of other prepping Americans to become skilled survival homesteaders, as well.
Just a few short years ago Rick, Jane, and a handful of like-minded and dedicated folks launched Prepper Camp. The three day hands-on fully immersive survival homesteading retreat takes place every September in Saluda, North Carolina.
It is about as far from being a prepper expo as you can get. Prepper Camp is more like a prepping summer camp for adults – a temporary community that you never want to leave.
Each year, preppers (both new and seasoned) come from around the country to learn and have fun at Prepper Camp.
No matter how far anyone has driven or flown, I have never heard one of them say it was not worth the trip. In fact, I have heard a few folks say they were going to make it there again even if they had to walk.
Take advantage of holiday season discounts and get your tickets for next years Prepper Camp for someone you love this Christmas.
Herbal Academy
If a prepper or gardening non-prepper you love is (or could be ) interested in medicinal herbs, consider an annual members to the Herbal Academy to put in their Christmas stocking.
An economical membership grants access to written text and detailed guides as well as illustrations, educational videos about herbal remedies, and growing tips.
I thought I was a fairly accomplished amateur herbalist until I took advantage of a membership sale. I only then learned that I had so much more to learn and excitedly began doing so – to the benefit of my family and survival tribe.
One Second After
No prepper must have book gift ideas list would be complete without One Second After. Bill Forstchen, who has often been dubbed the father of the prepping movement, who this best seller and launched an awakening across America.
Forstchen has now completed the One Second After trilogy as well as has written two other incredible survival books – Day of Wrath and 48 Hours.
Bill not only has been the featured speaker at Prepper Camp on several occasions, but proposed to his wife at this self-reliance gathering.
Children and Family Fun
Children are never too young to begin learning about self-reliance and survival homesteading. Our youngest grandchildren began taking responsibility for the chicken coop feed and watering at the age of 3, could identify at least six wild edibles before the age of four, could identify nut trees on our survival homestead, and helped in the making of natural remedies.
Older grandchildren helped with the processing of deer in our homestead butcher shop and went hunting under the guidance of adults.
Even if you live in the suburbs or the city and cannot engage in some of these important self-reliance skill training activities on a regular basis, you can introduce the concepts through hands-on and interactive games, activity kits, books, and role playing – pretend play toys.
Maybe some of the little loved ones on your Christmas shopping list were not born to prepping parents, but that does not mean you can’t play a significant role in helping them to grasp the importance of self-reliance.
Many of the items on this Christmas gifts for preppers kids would also make excellent hands-on learning resources for homeschooling parents.
If the children are being raised by prepper parents or on a homestead, consider expanding upon their growing skill set by investing in a new pair of cowboy boots, muck boots, or maybe even a pony or goat of their very own to raise.
Gathering with your extended family members for a Christmas party at grandma’s house can be stressful – especially when you must find a gift for your liberal brother or aunt that thinks all preppers are hiding out in a bunker 24/7, and preventing their children from being exposed to the big wide world.
While it might seem like it at times, it is not impossible to get those folks you care about to see the light. Don’t let those you love be like the “Kungfu Panda” guy in the video above.
Help the unprepared loved ones in your life and all the preppers on your list become as ready as they can be for whatever might be looming around the corner.
the close of a successful 2019 
our activities in 2014, but it is just the beginning…
I’ve been in the prepping business long enough to see the ebbs and flows of the market. I was on the early side of it, when “prepper” was still associated with the fringe “survivalist” folks – loners in the woods sitting on stockpiles of guns and ammo. Since then, “prepper” has become a household term with prepping becoming far more mainstream than it has ever been to the point freeze dried food can be purchased in everyday places like Costco. Reasonable people are preppers. In fact, once you look at the many reasons to prepare, “reason” follows that you must prep!
As preppers, we should already be aware of the necessary basics for prepping. If you’re new to prepping, you can start by reading 
The same as prepping for a recession requires different methods than prepping for civil unrest, prepping for climate change will require different methods as well. While climate change will require preparing for more hurricanes in certain areas, there are longer-term issues that will need to be addressed. Here are a few:
Preserving Food 
Whether you believe climate change is happening or not, whether you think it’s man-made or not, climate change preppers should be welcomed into the prepping community. Even if they don’t align with the typical prepper’s political beliefs, the more people that are prepared the better – regardless of their reasons!
