10 Ingenious Survival Uses For An Empty Water Bottle (Watch The Video For No. 5!)

10 Ingenious Survival Uses For An Empty Water Bottle (Watch The Video For No. 5!) Find more on: http://ift.tt/1Qfw8v0

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When you’re done drinking from a soda or water bottle, your usual instinct is to throw it in the trash, right?

The reality is that not only is this habit extremely wasteful, but you’re also tossing away something that can be extremely useful in a survival situation or on the homestead.

Let’s take a look at 10 alternative uses for a water bottle:

1. Funnel.

This one is extremely simple – and no doubt, the most popular use. All you have to do is cut off the bottom of your bottle and remove the cap at the top. Then you can pour any fluids or grains through it.

2. Food storage.

Use your funnel that you just constructed to pour food into more bottles. Never fill up your bottles all the way; instead, leave a little space at the top for an oxygen absorber. Screw the cap over the bottle extremely tight, and then store in a dark, cool and safe location.

3. A storage capsule.

Simply remove the bottoms of two plastic bottles, and then smooth down the edges. Glue the two bottles together with the caps facing out. Your makeshift capsule can now hold anything from jewelry to seeds to medications.

4. Seed starter.

A two-liter plastic bottle works best for this method, but the small kinds will work, too, if needed. Take a knife and cut the bottle in two. Use the end of your knife to poke a few holes in the bottom of the bottle.

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Fill up the bottle with soil and some water, and then plant your seeds. To accelerate the seed germinating process, place your other bottle half over the top; the result will be similar to a greenhouse.

5. Fish catcher.

A two-liter plastic bottle works best for this method, too. Take a bottle and cut off the top of it. Turn the bottle over and then place the cut-off piece back in the bottle, so that the cap side is facing toward the bottom. Place your trap in a running source of water, and small fish will be able to swim into the trap without being able to swim out. Grab them.

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6. Flotation device.

Tie a large number of sealed plastic bottles together, and then cover those bottles together with a plastic bag or garbage bag. Strap this to you and use it as a flotation device; if you have enough plastic bottles, you can even construct a workable raft if needed.

7. Makeshift shoes.

Your feet need to be fully protected in a survival situation in order for you to traverse long distances, and if anything happens to your existing shoes, you will need to fashion a replacement. With duct tape, cord and two plastic bottles, you can easily fashion your own sandals together.

8. Makeshift broom.

With nothing more than a stick, some string or duct tape, scissors and a plastic bottle, you can make your own broom to keep the floors of your off-grid shelter clean. Simply cut the bottom half of your bottle into shreds that serve as the actual broom, and then tie it to a stick or pole to complete the process.

9. Faucet.

Hang a two-liter plastic bottle filled with water upside down over a bowl, and slightly unscrew the cap. A little bit of water will then escape out of the cap and onto your hands for you to rinse. When you’re finished, simply screw the cap back up. This is a great way to keep your hands clean in the wilderness.

10. As a light.

Fill up a plastic bottle with water. Cut a hole into the roof of your shelter to place your bottle. When the sun strikes the roof of your shelter and the bottle as well, the light will be dispersed throughout your shelter.

What other survival uses for a bottle would you add? Share your advice in the section below:

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Zika Spreads To 14 In Florida; CDC Issues Travel Warning

Zika Spreads To 14 In Florida; CDC Issues Travel Warning is republished from http://ift.tt/1nr27gs

MIAMI, Florida – The Zika virus is spreading so rapidly in one Miami neighborhood that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is warning pregnant women not to travel to the area.

Zika, spread by mosquitoes, can cause serious birth defects in babies and also lead, in adults, to Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), which can cause paralysis and even death.

Florida Governor Rick Scott said Monday that an additional 10 people in the area had caught it, bringing the total number to 14. Twelve of them are men. It was just last week that the CDC confirmed the first case in America that was caught in the U.S. – that is, not transmitted in another country.

The Florida Department of Health is conducting door-to-door interviews in the community – called Wynwood – and “gathering samples for testing to determine the number of people affected.”

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The CDC released a statement Monday urging pregnant women not to travel to the area. The CDC also said:

• “Pregnant women and their partners living in or traveling to this area should follow steps to prevent mosquito bites.”
• “Women and men who live in or traveled to this area and who have a pregnant sex partner should use condoms or other barriers to prevent infection every time they have sex or not have sex during the pregnancy.”
• “All pregnant women in the United States should be assessed for possible Zika virus exposure during each prenatal care visit.”
• “Pregnant women who live in or frequently travel to this area should be tested in the first and second trimester of pregnancy.”
• “Pregnant women with possible Zika exposure and signs or symptoms of Zika should be tested for Zika.”
• “Pregnant women who traveled to or had unprotected sex with a partner that traveled to or lives in this area should talk to their healthcare provider and should be tested for Zika.”

Further, the CDC said that women who have travelled to the area should wait at least eight weeks before trying to get pregnant.

What do you think? Is Zika’s wider spread inevitable? Share your thoughts below:

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Travel Safety Tips: Keep Your Family Safe in a Hotel Room

The blog post Travel Safety Tips: Keep Your Family Safe in a Hotel Room was first published to Total Survival

Whether you’re a businessman passing through town or you’re on a family vacation, your hotel room is your “home.” It’s a place where you and your family should feel safe.

Just like homes, hotel rooms are also subject to a break-in. If you have ever been a victim of a burglary of any kind, you’re left feeling violated. A complete stranger has stepped foot into your personal space, your sanctuary, and has stolen your personal property. It leaves you in a state of mind of total insecurity.

In this day and age, crime is at an all time high. Being in an alert state of mind at all times is a way of life…for all of us. The days of leaving the doors unlocked, the days of letting your kids walk to school, and the days of feeling completely safe in public are, unfortunately, a thing of the past.

Learning safety procedures in every aspect of your life is an important step for you and your loved ones to remain safe. Now, I’m not saying walk around in permanent karate chop mode, but learning various safety measures to protect yourself, your loved ones, and your possessions (that you work hard to pay for) are important!

Hotel rooms are a way of life for some and an occasional luxury for others. In either case, you want to be safe and secure and you want your possessions to stay just that – YOURS!

In my research, I came across CrimeDoctor.com and found some excellent advice regarding hotel safety. These safety measures could save you and your loved ones a world of hurt.

Here are some of the safety measures and tips we’ll go over in this article:

• Floor and room selection – What are the safest choices?
• Door security – How secure is your hotel room door?
• Possible entry points for an intruder
• Elevator safety measures
• Parking lot safety
• Occupancy Cues – How to make a possible intruder think the room is occupied
• Hold a family meeting to discuss hotel room safety

Let’s get started with the basics. How should you choose where to stay in the hotel?

Floor and Room Selection

According to Crime Doctor, upper floors are safer from crime, but worse for fire rescue. Emergency rescue is best below the fifth floor. You can compromise by picking a modern fire-safe hotel.

Always request a room on an upper floor to reduce crime exposure. Ground floor rooms are more vulnerable to crime problems because of access and ease of escape. In a high-rise building, rooms above the fifth-floor are usually safer from crime than those below because of lesser accessibility and ease of escape.

Also, rooms not adjacent to fire stairs are safer from room intruders because they use the stairs for escape. Criminals do not want to be trapped on an upper floor inside a high-rise hotel. By design, high-rise buildings usually have fewer ground level access points and are easier for the hotel staff to monitor who passes through the lobby after hours.

Door Security

Hotel rooms should be equipped with a solid-core wood or metal door for best protection.

Doors should be self-closing and self-locking. Room doors should have a deadbolt lock with at least a one-inch throw bolt.

If the lock appears worn or there are pry marks around the lock area, get another room or move to another hotel. The knob-lock should be hotel-style where you can push a button on the inside knob and block out all keys. This feature is designed to prevent a former guest or housekeeper from entering the room once you are safely inside.

Hotels with electronic card access have the advantage of being able to disable former keycards issued to previous guests and unauthorized employees. Electronic locks will also block out most room service keys when you set the deadbolt. The room door should have a wide-angle peephole so you can view who is at the door before opening.

Possible Entry Points for an Intruder

Make sure all windows and sliding doors are secured, if they are accessible from the ground. It is a good idea to test all windows and glass doors to see if they are secure.

Beware of balconies where someone can climb from one to another and enter through an open window or sliding door. If the windows or sliding doors are not securable, ask for another room or find another hotel.

If your room has an adjoining door to an adjacent room, check it to see that it is secured with a deadbolt lock. If it is questionable, ask for another room.

Elevator Safety Measures

Be aware of possible intruders on elevators. One tactic that an intruder will use is to select a victim in the lobby and ride up in the elevator with them. They will get off on the same floor as you and pretend to walk behind you as if going to their own room. Once the guest opens their door, the intruder will force his way in behind you and make his demand.

Parking Lot Safety

• If you are a woman traveling alone or with small children, take advantage of car valet service (if available) to avoid the parking lot.
• After checking in, ask the bellman or desk clerk to escort you to your room.
• After unlocking the room, quickly inspect the closets, under the bed, and bathroom including behind the shower curtain before the bellman leaves. It’s courteous to tip the bellman for his efforts.

Occupancy Cues

• Put the Do-Not-Disturb sign on the doorknob even when you are away, as this deters possible intruders (it may affect housekeeping service, however.)
• Turn on the TV or radio just loud enough to hear through the door to give the appearance that the room is occupied.
• While away from your room, leave one light on inside the room. This helps you see upon re-entry and gives the room the appearance of occupancy from the outside.

Hold a Family Meeting

Following entering and immediately inspecting the room, conduct a family meeting to discuss safety measures for your entire family. Keep it short and simple so it’s easy to remember.

No matter what, if at all possible — stick together! In a hotel safety type scenario, never walk the hotel parking lot, elevator, and hallways alone! There is ALWAYS strength in numbers – in any situation.

When you’re heading out on a fun family vacation, the last thing you want to worry about is an invasion in your hotel room. We hope the above tips will keep your family safe and make your vacation an enjoyable one.

Do you have any tips of your own? Have you ever had a bad experience with hotel room safety? Tell us about it in the comments!

This Article Was First Found at survivallife.com Read The Original Article Here

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Mother Nature’s Best Home Remedies

The following post Mother Nature’s Best Home Remedies Read more on: http://ift.tt/1Qfw8v0

Home Projects Homemade Products Home Remedies Mother Nature’s Best Home Remedies

The best home remedies come from Mother Nature. If you’re looking for the best medicinal plants and weeds you can grow in your garden, I’ve listed the top picks for you to choose from.

Mother Nature’s Best Home Remedies

Home remedies, or natural remedies, are typically grown in the comforts of your own backyard, or for many, the comfort of the wilderness. Medicinal plants and oils have been know to serve as remedies for ailments both major and minor. They are Mother Nature’s healthy alternative to conventional medicine, and have been used longer than we can imagine. Even the ancient Egyptians utilized these best home remedies!

If ever left without modern medicine, knowing a little about nature’s remedies for common ailments could prove crucial to your health and wellness in a survival situation.

We’ve gathered some essential medicinal plants and oils, and their cures, that you should have on hand for your next home remedy.

10 Medicinal Plants

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Great Burdock
This root is used to treat ‘toxic overload’ that result in throat infections and skin diseases like : boils, rashes, burns, bruises, herpes, eczema, acne, impetigo, ringworm and bites. Marsh Mallow
This root internally treats: inflammations and irritations of the urinary and respiratory mucus membranes, counter excess stomach acid, peptic ulceration, gastritis. Externally, the root is applied to bruises, sprains, aching muscles, insect bites, skin inflammations and splinters. If you miss making s’mores when SHTF – this is also the plant marshmallows are made from! Aloe Vera
The sap from Aloe Vera is extremely useful to speed up healing and reduce the risk of infections associated with wounds, cuts, burns, eczema, as well as reducing inflammation. Aloe Vera taken internally may treat: ulcerative colitis, chronic constipation, poor appetite and digestive problems. Pot Marigold
Pot Marigold is a great remedy for skin problems, including bites, stings, sprains, wounds, sore eye and varicose veins.
Internally it may treat fevers and chronic infections. The tea of the petals tones up circulation and, taken regularly, eases varicose veins. Gotu Kola
This plant acts on various phases of connective tissue development and stimulates healing of ulcers, skin injuries, decreasing capillary fragility, stimulation of the lipids and protein necessary for healthy skin.Crushed leaves are poulticed to treat open sores. It can also be used to treat leprosy, revitalize the brain and nervous system, increase attention span and concentration and treat venous insufficiency. Chamomile
In addition to aiding problems with the digestive system, it has a soothing and calming effect like aromatherapy, used to end stress and aid in sleep. The herb is also used to treat common aches like toothache, earache, shoulder pain and neuralgia. Chinese Yam
It is sweet and soothing to the stomach, spleen and has a tonic effect on the lungs and kidneys. Internally, it treats tiredness, weight loss, loss of appetite, poor digestion, chronic diarrhea, asthma, dry coughs, uncontrollable urination, diabetes and emotional instability.
Externally, it may be applied to ulcers, boils and abscesses. Echinacea
The echinacea has the capacity to raise the body’s resistance to bacterial and viral infections by stimulating the immune system. It also has antibiotic properties that helps relieve allergies. Basically, the roots are beneficial in the treatment of sores, wounds and burns. It was once used by many Native Americans as an application for insect bites, stings and snakebites. The echinacea grows on any well drained soil, as long as it gets sunlight. Great Yellow Gentian
This root is a bitter herb used to treat digestive disorders and states of exhaustion from chronic diseases. It stimulates the liver, gal bladder and digestive system, strengthening the overall human body. Internally, it may treat liver complaints, indigestion, gastric infections and aneroxia. Siberian Ginseng
This herb is a powerful tonic herb that maintains good health. It’s medicinal properties are used for menopausal problems, geriatric debility, physical and mental stress, and treats bone marrow suppression caused by chemotherapy or radiation, angina, hypercholesterolemia and neurasthenia with headache, insomnia, poor appetite, increasing endurance, memory improvement, anti-inflammatory purposes, immunogenic purposes, chemoprotective purposes and radiological protection.(See full article at Backyard Garden)

Who knew weeds were good for something?

Check out these 10 weeds and their healing properties:

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Medicinal Plant Oils | Essential Oils

Chances are you’ve heard of essential oils, which are oils extracted from medicinal plants. Here are a few or our favorite essential oils we are sure to keep readily available in the medicine cabinet:

Peppermint Essential Oil

Peppermint is nicknamed ‘the world’s oldest medicine’, with archaeological evidence placing its use at least as far back as ten thousand years ago. Peppermint is naturally high in manganese, vitamin A and vitamin C. Crushed leaves rubbed on the skin help soothe and relax the muscles. Peppermint oil is most commonly used for:

• reduce irritable bower syndrome
• against upset stomachs
• inhibit bacterial growth
• treat fevers
• flatulence
• spastic colon
• nausea
• headaches

(Read more at Fractured Paradigm)

Sage Essential Oil

Sage is one of our favorite oils. It has many diverse health benefits including:

• Stomach pains
• Coughs
• Cramps
• Eliminates scars
• Purifies blood
• Digestive aid
• Reduces fever
• Stimulates the brain

(See more health benefits at Organic Facts)

Tea Tree Essential Oil

Tea tree oil is often referred to as “medicine cabinet in a bottle,” as it’s remedies are seemingly endless. Check out these 79 uses for the ultimate survival remedy:

1. Abrasions and minor cuts
2. Acne
3. Air freshener
4. Allergies
5. Arthritus
6. Asthma
7. Athletes foot
8. Baby care
9. Bacterial infections
10. Bad breath
11. Bladder infection
12. Blisters
13. Boils
14. Bronchial congestion
15. Bronchitus
16. Bruises
17. Bunions
18. Burns
19. Calluses/corns
20. Canker sores
21. Carbuncies
22. Chapped lips
23. Chicken pox
24. Chigger bite
25. Cold sores
26. Coughs
27. Dandruff
28. Dermatitus
29. Dry skin
30. Eczema
31. Emphysema
32. Flea bites
33. Gout
34. Gum disease
35. Head lice
36. Hives
37. Homemade mouthwash
38. Household cleaning
39. Immune system
40. Infected wounds
41. Inflammation
42. Ingrown hair
43. Insect repellant
44. Jock itch
45. Laryngitis
46. Laundry helper
47. Mildew/mold remover
48. Mosquito bites
49. Muscle aches/pains
50. Mumps
51. Nail fungus
52. Pest control
53. Plantar warts
54. Psoriasis
55. Rashes
56. Rheumatism
57. Ringworm
58. Rubella
59. Scabies
60. Sciatica
61. Seborrhea
62. Shingles
63. Shock
64. Sinusitis
65. Sore muscles
66. Sore throat
67. Staph infection
68. Stye
69. Sunburn
70. Tattoos
71. Thrush
72. Ticks
73. Toenail fungus
74. Toothbrush cleaner
75. Tonsillitus
76. Vaginal infection
77. Viral infections
78. Warts
79. Wounds

(See how to apply tea tree oil to these ailments at LA Healthy Living)

Want to see the top 15 most powerful medicinal plants, then check this video from [email protected]:

There are an endless array of medicinal plants and essential oils. Let me know what other home remedies you are using in the comments below!

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Solar Storm To Hit Earth Tuesday – ‘Power Grid Fluctuations’ Possible

Solar Storm To Hit Earth Tuesday – ‘Power Grid Fluctuations’ Possible is courtesy of Total Survival

WASHINGTON – A solar geomagnetic storm capable of producing “power grid fluctuations” is expected to hit earth Tuesday, Aug. 2 in what the government’s NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center is calling a moderate storm.

The storm was sparked by a coronal mass ejection that can be visually seen in a NASA space video.

“Power grid fluctuations can occur. High-latitude power systems may experience voltage alarms,” the NOAA alert read.

The primary impact is expected to be north of 55 degrees latitude, NOAA reported.

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Northern lights may be seen as low as New York, Wisconsin and Washington state, according to NOAA.

On NOAA’s 5-number scale, this one is a G2, which if it is a “long-duration storm” could “cause transformer damage.” A G5 storm, the most severe type, can cause “complete collapse or blackouts,” NOAA says.

The 1859 Carrington Event, which occurred prior to the modern-day electrical grid, was a G5. It rendered telegraph machines – the most advance electronics of the day – unworkable.

Do you believe our power grid is ready for a major solar storm? Share your thoughts in the section below:

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Eco Sustainable Home That Running On Renewable Energy From The Sun

The following post Eco Sustainable Home That Running On Renewable Energy From The Sun was originally seen on Total Survival

Ever imagined 2016 as the year in which a home can totally run on renewable energy? Harnessing the power of the sun is what makes the following home functional. In the HALO project, the solar panels aren’t just attached but they make up the roof! Made with the name and the shape of the round shining circle phenomenon which takes place around the Sun, the people behind HALO wanted to make a statement. The designers emphasized the social character of the home, making it a meeting place. Sourced from Gothenburg, Sweden the team of architects built 30 prefabricated modules and shipped them in China where HALO participated in an international competition. The home can live 4 people with a total interior space of 60 square meters. There are large common spaces and smaller private areas as well as modern finishes and furniture inside. Take a virtual look and just enjoy the entire design

A project developed by HaloSweden

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This Article Was Found Here: Eco Sustainable Home That Running On Renewable Energy From The Sun

The 20-Pound Plant Your Ancestors Grew To Feed Livestock

The post The 20-Pound Plant Your Ancestors Grew To Feed Livestock is available on Total Survival

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Creating a homestead that is self-sufficient is challenging enough — and one of the most challenging aspects is trying to grow enough food to sustain both humans and livestock each year.

As difficult as that may seem, it is possible with careful planning and a bit of creativity. Choosing what you grow for your family and livestock will make a big impact, especially for those with fewer acres with which to work.

What to raise for livestock fodder may seem like an easy question to answer. We all know that grains and grasses are primary sources for most commercial feeds and many homesteaders, but there are many other choices available if you plan on growing your own feed. One such alternative crop is the mangel beet.

Mangel beets, known as forage beets or mangel-wurzel beets, were a staple crop on many homesteads until the advent of modern day farming equipment and the rise of big agriculture. Their use is recorded in writings dating back to the 1400s, and many modern homesteaders are reviving the popularity of this type of beet.

Mangel beets, also known as fodder beets, contain a wide variety of nutrients in both the root and the greens. The root of the red mammoth mangel beet and the giant yellow eckendorf beet will grow to an average of 15 to 20 pounds apiece, thus providing a sizable amount of feed — up to 50 tons per acre. The greens also can be used as feed, adding even more value to this beet as a crop for sustainable homesteads.

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These beets prefer neutral soil and are capable of thriving in less-than-ideal soil conditions. Full sun, however, is a necessity. Sow seeds directly into the prepared soil one month before the final frost date for early harvest, 10 to 12 weeks before the fall frost date for a late harvest. Seeds should be placed two inches apart and seedlings must be thinned out early. Rows should be spaced no less than 12 inches apart. A moderate amount of rainfall or irrigation is necessary for optimal growth to facilitate this, and a light covering of mulch may be necessary to retain moisture in drier climates.

The greens can be harvested at any time. Plucking a few leaves from each plant will not stress the root and will allow you or your livestock to enjoy nutrient-rich greens for many weeks. Carefully monitored and controlled grazing may be acceptable in the last few weeks before harvest.

The roots can be harvested anywhere from 70 to 100 days after planting. It is important to protect the roots from drying out. In warmer climates, the beets may be stored in the field and dug up as needed. In colder climates, store mangel beets in a root cellar or other cool, dry area. Farmers, in days gone by, would dig a pit to bury the beets in, near their livestock. Lining the pit with straw, the farmers would add alternate layers of beets and straw, finally covering the pit with a wood lid to limit the loss of fodder to rot or mold. In Europe, it was common to create what is known as a clamp, a protected pile of mangel-wurzel beets above ground.

Traditionally, mangel beets are not used as livestock fodder until January. During the time between harvest and January, certain components begin to break down in the root, making them easier to digest and less likely to cause digestive issues in your livestock.

To supplement your poultry feed and provide a pecking distraction, simply hang a beetroot in the coop. Greens can be fed to the poultry, as well. For other livestock, including cattle, horses, pigs and goats, beets are best sliced or cut into chunks before adding them in the daily ration of feed.

Have you ever grown mangel beets? Share your advice on them in the section below:

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