Do you have firearms in your home? Your vehicle? How about that concealed carry handgun in your purse? What about firearms at your child’s friend’s house?
Bottom line: It is your responsibility to keep those firearms out of the hands of children. It is, I believe, also a responsibility to have a discussion with your child about firearm safety. They need to understand what to do if they find a gun when not in your presence, such as at a friend’s house. Sadly, children are killed every year from gun accidents.
When I provide firearms training, no matter the audience or experience level, one of the first things covered is firearms safety rules. I expect the rules to be followed, both on and off the range! When it comes to the safety of children, there can be no exceptions.
Not sure how to talk to kids about firearms, or what educational programs are available? Let’s take a look at a few of these options.
1. Hunter education programs. These state-run programs are an excellent way to get the gun safety message across to kids, and most programs allow for parents or guardians to take the course along with the child. Even if you or the children are not hunters, the overlying theme of these programs is firearms safety. Check with your local state game & fish agencies or the county extension office. Some 4-H and scouting programs also have shooting and gun safety training in many states.
2. National Shooting Sports Foundation. This national organization is dedicated to “Promotion, Protection and Preserving” the shooting sports. They have an excellent program, “Project Child Safe,” that is dedicated to children and firearms safety. Check it out here.
3. National Rifle Association. The organization has been around for decades and is committed to the preservation of gun rights and firearms safety. Their resources available to the public for gun safety are too many to mention here. However, a good place to start is the “Eddie Eagle Gunsafe Program.”
4. Project Appleseed. Another great shooting and educational organization that has lots of opportunities when it comes to gun safety and offers shooting programs with the unique twist of American heritage all rolled into one program. Find more information here.
These are but a few of the programs available to you and your children. I have had hands-on experience with all of them.
Please take gun safety seriously. Safe gun handling, storage and education are responsibilities that we must never take for granted.
What advice would you add for teaching kids about guns? Share your tips in the section below:
This Article Was Originally Posted On offthegridnews.com Read the Original Article here
Exploring unfamiliar territories may sometimes lead to unexpected demise, so here are some outdoor survival tips that may come in handy. We’ve seen plenty of gruesome death scenes in movies set in the wild and it would be a shame if we fall victim to that same plot, right?
Outdoor Survival Tips | How to Avoid Death in the Wilds
If we are going out alone or with friends in the wild, it’s a must to equip ourselves with the right outdoor survival tips for everybody’s sake. Having sufficient knowledge and skills will definitely take us the extra mile and help us create a safe zone within any hazardous areas. But before that, what are the most common deaths in the wild and how can we avoid them?
1. Drowning
Drowning is no stranger to this list as lack of certain skills and equipment can spell doom for anybody. Given we’re decent swimmers, it’s a no-brainer to avoid submerging when seas are turbulent as the last thing we would like is to helplessly explore its unimaginable depth.
2. Heat Stroke
It’s no secret that before embarking on a journey, we should always bring water. We’ll never know if the rivers we come across are drinkable or contaminated. Hence, always make sure you have a bottle or two in your bag to prevent dehydration and heat stroke.
3. Falling off a Cliff
This is arguably the most common way of dying when exploring rough terrains. A misstep can lead to fatal wounds or worse, dismemberment of the body. It is necessary to bring a flashlight and take the time with our steps. You can also tie a long rope around the waist and tie the other end around a sturdy tree trunk.
4. Mauled by Wild Animals
Camping at night? Better be equipped with sharp weapons as we’ll never know when a pack of wolves or a giant bear may possibly maul us for dinner. Also, place all the food at least a hundred meters away from the campsite since bears have a heightened sense of smell.
5. Eating Poisonous Food
Hunting isn’t the only means of finding food in the wild. How to Find Edible Plants in the Wild https://t.co/o429gaQXEv
Our last resort should be consuming unknown plants or fruits when food supply runs out. Always go for the safe consumables and when the going gets tough, it is best to heat the food thoroughly to kill bacteria or any microbes that could lead to poisoning.
6. Quicksand
We won’t actually die in quicksand as seen in the movies. Being stuck for days leading to starvation and dehydration will. Apparently, panicking will only make it harder to get out as this will agitate the sand.
The best way to approach the situation is to take your time, lean backward, and slowly wiggle your legs up until it reaches the surface. Then, move the arms in a sweeping motion until we reach the edge and start to roll over.
7. Heart Attack
We will never know when this dreaded disease will hit us, heck, it’s not ranked as one of the top causes of death worldwide for no reason. So, before heading out, make sure the body is in tip-top shape and is ready for any rigorous activities like mountain climbing. If there’s a need to do so, rest by all means.
Looking for something more hardcore? Here are 10 horrific ways people died courtesy of Alltime10s:
Our desire to explore uncharted territories should always come with proper preparation. In the outdoors, a minor miscalculation may result to gruesome injuries, or worse, death. When unsure, the best course of action is to always stay put and observe. Hopefully, our outdoor survival tips here can help you out when you’re in a difficult situation in the wilderness.
Which scenario do you find scariest? Share other outdoor survival tips in the comments below.
It’s the time of year when gardeners and homesteaders are scrambling to preserve our harvest in order to enjoy the literal fruits of our labors as close to year-round as possible. For a lot of us, that means canning. Most of us know our way around the kitchen when it comes to putting up food, but there are some mistakes that beginners—and sometimes even experienced canners—make.
1. Using untested recipes. Trying new methods from unreliable sources might be fine for some things, but not for canning. If it hasn’t come from a rock-solid source that has tested the recipe for safety, it’s not worth the risk.
2. Doubling batches of pectin-added jam. It says on the package not to do it, but newbies often try it anyway. It just seems so counter-intuitive—I mean, if you double everything exactly, why wouldn’t it work? Trust me. It doesn’t. Your jam will look pretty and taste delicious, but there is a very high likelihood that it won’t set. You can still use it to pour over ice cream, but it won’t be jam.
3. Reducing or replacing sugar in jam with regular pectin. This is another one that seems like it should work, but it doesn’t. The jam recipes on regular pectin packages call for a LOT of sugar, which is understandably off-putting. But if you want to use less sugar or a sugar substitute, buy the special pectin for low sugar for successful jamming.
4. Canning low-quality product. Always remember that canning food will in no way improve its flavor and texture. If it is picked too long ago, overripe, or substandard in any other way, it’s not a good candidate for canning. Can the best and eat the rest.
I should note that this is advice intended for a scenario of plenty. If hardship or disaster prevents you from having enough high-quality food to can, it may be necessary to can what you have available, whether it is the most desirable or not.
5. Tightening jar rings after processing and leaving them in place during storage. The function of jar rings is to keep the lids on during processing, and nothing more. After processing and cooling, the rings should be loose. Retightening them could compromise your seal, and storing the jars with the rings on will cause the rings to rust and will provide a space for food particles to grow mold and bacteria under the ring. Remove the rings and wash them for use on your next batch, and rinse off the outside of the jar before storing.
Image source: Pixabay.com
6. Fudging the processing time. When canning, precision is key. Use a timer and don’t cut corners when it comes to processing time. And be careful to use the time for the size jar you are using—many recipes give different times for quarts and pints. A note of caution: If you’re using those new 24-ounce canning jars, you won’t find any canning times for them. Don’t try splitting the difference, because unless you’ve tested the process in a food laboratory, you can’t know exactly how long it takes to get adequate heat to the center of that 24-ounce jar. If your recipe gives different times for pints and quarts and you’re using pint-and-a-halfs, use the time for the quarts.
7. Using alternative processing methods. We’ve all seen them—cute tricks for canning in your microwave or dishwasher or oven. And we’ve heard stories about how back in the day they used wax for jam or just inverted the jars on the counter and allowed them to heat-seal. Sure, people did it and lived through it, but why take the risk? None of these methods meet current safety recommendations, and some have made people sick.
8. Not taking headspace seriously. That space between the top of the product and the top of the jar is a key component to canning success. Too little space can cause product to squirt out during processing and get stuck on the rim, which could prevent the lid from sealing. Too much space can also prevent a tight seal, because larger headspaces take longer processing times to push out all the air and create the necessary vacuum. All good recipes give a head space measurement, and they are worth heeding.
9. Getting the temperatures wrong. Use hot jars, and place them into simmering water in the canner. Placing cold jars into hot water can cause breakage. And starting with cool water in the canner can take extra time to bring it up to boil, resulting in overcooked end results.
10. Not using the correct amount of water in the canner. It’s important that your water level is right. Too little water can expose the lids during a vigorous boil, and they may not can properly, and too much will take a long time to reach boiling. For a boiling-water-bath canner, you need at least 1 inch over top of the jars, but no more than 2 inches. It can be hard to judge ahead of time, so keep a kettle full of simmering water on standby when you load the canner, and add more if you need it. Have a long-handled scoop handy for bailing out excess water, too. Pressure canners are easier in this instance—follow the manufacturer’s directions, which will tell you either to use the fill line on the canner itself or to measure a certain depth of water.
11. Removing jars immediately after processing. It’s recommended to leave the jars in the water for a bit. In a boiling-water-bath canner, turn off the heat and remove the lid and let the jars set for five minutes before removing. In a pressure canner, allow it to completely depressurize, remove the weight or open the petcock, and let the jars set for 10 minutes before lifting the lid and removing the jars. This is not crucial, but it contributes to a better sealing rate. Then, let your jars set untouched for 12-24 hours. As much as you want to pick them up to show them off, or to put them away to make room for the next batch, or even to just press down on the lid to see if it sealed, try to leave them alone. This will improve your odds of a good solid seal for the best possible end result.
12. Pouring water off the lid. Oh, I know. This one is so hard to resist! It is super tempting to tilt the jar to pour off the excess water on the top, but don’t do it. Doing so can disrupt the seal you worked so hard to achieve. Remove the jars from the canner, set them on a towel or rack, and let the water evaporate naturally.
If you don’t get every single one of these items right every time, do not worry. Most of us don’t achieve perfection. I would encourage you to focus on product safety first, and continue to work on other possible mistakes which may affect the quality and success of your canning endeavors. And when you enjoy a jar of home-canned chutney or jam next winter, you’ll be glad you went to the trouble of doing your best.
What common mistakes would you add to our list? Share your tips in the section below:
This Article Was Originally Posted On offthegridnews.com Read the Original Article here
In the span of just a few weeks, North Korea flew missiles over Japan, tested its sixth nuclear bomb, and threatened to test a hydrogen bomb in the Pacific Ocean. And now it is promising to strike the United States.
Is the rogue nation — headed by Kim Jong-un — on the verge of sparking World War III?
That’s the topic of this week’s edition of Off The Grid Radio, as we talk to Peter Vincent Pry, who is chief of staff of the EMP Commission and formerly served in the House Armed Services Committee and the Central Intelligence Agency.
Pry sees eerie parallels between North Korea and 1930s Germany just prior to World War II. He also believes Russia and China are secretly allying with North Korea – and cheering its every move
Pry also tells us:
Why he is more concerned about North Korea than he ever has been.
What he thinks the Trump administration should do.
Why North Korea likely already has the capability to strike the U.S. with an EMP.
Finally, Pry gives us the scoop on a North Korean government study that proves the country is seriously considering unleashing an EMP – and taking out the U.S. power grid. This is one show you don’t want to miss!
This Article Was Originally Posted On offthegridnews.com Read the Original Article here
Do you know why a lot of campers, off-roaders, and preppers keep their fuel in a Wavian can? It’s because fuel is heavy and takes up a lot of space. Plus, you need to store it safely and securely to prevent leaks or fires.
Wavian Can | Product Review
Fuel is an essential part of modern life, and this is especially true during emergencies. Sometimes fuel is not accessible due to natural or man-made disasters. That means you should have some on-hand in case such a disaster happens. The trick is storing and transporting fuel. This is where the Jerry Can comes in.
History
The Jerry Can has an interesting history and traces it’s origins back to 1937. Back then, Vinzenz Grünvogel, a German from Schwelm, designed a rectangular, metal fuel can that could carry 20 L of liquid. It featured three integrated handles, which meant it could be carried by one or two men. Plus, it had a flip-top spout. This allowed the contents to be poured out quickly. The can also had enough space for an air pocket. This pocket of air allowed it to float if dropped in the water! It was called the Wehrmachtkanister, and the German Army adopted it before the outbreak of World War Two.
The Allies quickly adopted this ingenious design wehen they saw that it was superior to their fuel cans. Allied soldiers called these containers “Jerry Cans,” as “Jerry” was the slang term for Germans. The Jerry Can was adopted and produced in vast numbers to support the British and American armies. After the war, millions were either sold as surplus or found as discarded items across the battlefields of Europe. Jerry Cans became a popular means of storing and transporting fuel due to their design and durability. The features that made them great back then continue to popularize them today.
Today
There are many different manufacturers of Jerry Cans these days — and there are just as many styles. NATO militaries currently use a design made from plastic with a round fuel spout receptacle in the center of the can. Scepter is the primary military supplier for these cans, although there are other manufacturers who produce the same design.
However, the traditional, metal German-designed Jerry Can is still being produced. Their metal build and D-shaped fuel spout receptacle on the right-hand side of the can distinguish these cans from competitors. They use a rubber gasket to keep fuel from spilling. They also have metal locking mechanisms for the spout.
The Wavian Can Craze?
One brand seems to most popular among Jerry Can uses though, which is why I decided to purchase and evaluate one. When I was at a prepper show a while back, I was talking to one of the vendors and asked him what his most popular item was. Without hesitation, he mentioned Wavian Jerry Cans. He would import a 40’ shipping container of them, and they would still sell out in days. After some research, I realized the consensus was that the Wavian Can was the best new Jerry Can out there.
Types
Before I go any further, I should mention that color matters when it comes to Jerry Cans. There is a color code for civilian fuel containers used within the United States. Basically, the color of the Jerry Can determines what can be carried in it. The following table lists the color and associated fuel.
Fuel Container Colors
Color
Fuel
Red
Gasoline
Yellow
Diesel
Blue
Kerosene
Green
Oils
Surplus Jerry Cans are usually olive drab and sometimes desert tan. Be aware of these restrictions before you put fluid in your Jerry Can.
Legality
One more thing to keep in mind: There may be restrictions on how much fuel you can keep in your garage. Contact your local fire department or your insurance agent to find out how much fuel you can store. You can only store fuel in approved containers, like a Wavian Can.
Projected Costs
I got my Wavian Can at a local military surplus store (new) for $59.95. I’ve seen them online for anywhere from $79.95 all the way down to $49.95. However, be aware of shipping and handling costs. These are large, heavy items, so you may end up paying a lot of have them delivered.
Observations
I have had this particular Jerry Can for almost a year and haven’t had a chance to use it. One day, I decided to put it to the test to see if it was worth the hype. I put it in the back of my car and took it to the gas station down the street. I started filling it up and got to about 4.3 gallons (16.3 L) before the pump stopped. The nominal capacity of the Jerry Can is 20 L or 5.3 gallons, but modern fuel pumps won’t fill it up all the way. I withdrew the pump a bit and filled it to the brim. This was a mistake…but more on that later on. In the mean time, I closed the fuel cap, inserted the retaining pin, and placed the Wavian Can on its side inside the trunk of my car.
I got home and opened the trunk. No fuel had spilled and there wasn’t any fuel vapor odor. All this was good, meaning that the seals worked as intended. I placed the Jerry Can in my garage and waited for it to cool off before I went to fill my other vehicle. It was over 105F that day, so I wanted to refuel when it was cooler.
About an hour before sunset, I decided to fuel my other vehicle. However, I got a bit of an unexpected surprise when I took the cap off to attach the fuel spout. Remember how I filled the Jerry Can to the brim? Well, since the fuel came from an underground storage tank, it was cool. Then I left the can in my garage for a few hours, meaning the fuel warmed up and expanded. When I opened the cap, gasoline sprayed out at me.
I don’t blame the can for this. The incident was purely human error on my part.
I attached the EPA-approved fuel spout and went to fuel my other car. This is where the process became a mess. The spout wouldn’t fit into the fuel filler, meaning I spilled some gasoline before I halted the fueling process. There was no way the spout would allow me to dispense fuel into the tank, meaning I either had to use a funnel or transfer the gasoline to another container before fueling.
I ended up having to pour the fuel from the Wavian Can — sans EPA-approved fuel spout — into one of my smaller gasoline containers. Then I poured the contents of the smaller can into the fuel tank, which I repeated four times. The good news was that without the EPA-approved fuel spout, the Wavian Can emptied the fuel very quickly and without interruption. While it was a pain to use this process to fuel the car, I began to formulate some ideas on how to address this problem in the future. After all, this wasn’t an emergency situation, and I wasn’t in a hurry.
Essentially, if you have an old-school Jerry Can with a new-style fuel spout, forget about fueling an automobile with it. You will either need a funnel or a pre-2009 fuel spout that will fit a traditional Jerry Can. Otherwise, you are going to spill a lot of fuel on the ground and not in your tank. I am going to look at both possibilities, since I really want to be able to use my Wavian when necessary. It is a great fuel container with an absolutely abysmal fuel spout.
Pros
Solid construction, the seals and connections are top-notch.
Cons
EPA-approved fuel spout is an absolute pain to use.
Metal fuel cans weigh more than plastic fuel cans, and the heavy gauge metal used in the Wavian cans makes them even heavier.
Wavian Jerry Cans shows a video of the quality testing their products goes through:
I really like the Wavian Jerry Can, but the current fuel spout makes it difficult to use. I don’t blame Wavian for that. They’re just following the dictates of our Imperial Overlords at the EPA. The can itself is well-crafted and solid, and I will be using this one for many years to come. In fact, I plan on buying several more in the near future. If you are in the market for new Jerry Can, this is the one to get.
Overall Rating 8/10
Do you have a Wavian can of your own or plan on purchasing one for yourself? Let us know in the comments section below!
The fidget spinner is taking the world by storm and is no doubt, the most popular toy of 2017. Not only is it fun to play with, it is also said to help adults and children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and mild autism.
Fidget Spinner FAQs
The fidget spinner is currently the talk of the town due to the alleged benefits it presents to every demographic. Although this may raise some eyebrows, there is no denying this toy can keep you entertained for hours. Is it really good as people say it is? Or is this just a marketing ploy? Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of this toy, so you can decide for yourself.
1. Relieves Anxiety and Releases Happy Hormones
The fidget spinner grabs the child’s attention and this undivided focus produces a hypnotic effect believed to release happy hormones. It is a must-try for restless children as the motion of the toy helps relieve anxiety and calm their minds.
2. Provides Pleasing Sensory Experience
Although no research confirms this claim yet, the toy is said to correct neurological disorders for children with ADHD or even mild autism. In parents’ testimonials, they claim their children seem more relaxed when playing and watching the toy spin.
3. Helps Alleviate Stress Levels
Some adults say having one in their workstation help alleviate their stress levels when the going gets tough. The sound it creates is said to put their mind in a blank state, helping them kill boredom and occupy their mind with simpler thoughts.
Some kids treat it as the new yo-yo since the toy can perform a handful of tricks. From inserting a pen in between to letting it spin on top of the nose, there are plenty of ways to make the spinning device more entertaining. Furthermore, parents see it as a breath of fresh air when they see their kids stay away from electronic gadgets and the Internet.
5. Distracts Kids in School
As much as it helps kids to focus, the fidget spinner was banned in schools due to the teachers’ complaints. Students tend to use the toy inside the classroom and this clearly affected their studies. This problem, however, can simply be solved by proper discipline and the enforcement of classroom rules.
6. Poses Health Risks
The toy also has its fair share of controversies as inspectors found lead content in it. Another concern raised is the risk of possible choking from the spinner’s smaller parts when kids play with it. As a countermeasure, a safety guideline was released banning three-year-olds from playing the toy and a reminder to keep it away from the mouth as much as possible.
7. Reinvents Designs and Styles
Is it a fad? According to its users, not even close. There are little to no other toys that can improve concentration while having fun at the same time. In fact, the toy’s influence continues to grow as there are now customized spinners like the shuriken style, which appeals to different audiences.
Here’s what the media and parents have to say about the fidget spinner courtesy of ABC15 Arizona:
Believe it or not, the fidget spinner will continue to sell because of parents who want nothing more but a chance to improve their children’s well-being. Moreover, adults would also like a chance to escape from stress, so it won’t be a surprise if some decide to purchase one. As the saying goes, you won’t know unless you try, right?
Do you believe in the benefits the fidget spinner provides? Share your opinion on the trendsetting toy in the comments below!
DIY deodorant is simple: It’s good for you, it works, and it’s good for the earth! Make your own natural deodorant with this homemade recipe.
DIY Deodorant | How To Make Natural Deodorant At Home
One of the first homemade stuff I wanted to make was deodorant, so I searched the Internet and found an abundance of homemade recipes, and experimented with quite a few. One of the more popular recipes online these days contains coconut oil, which seems to be a much raved-over ingredient that is here to stay. There are over one hundred uses for coconut oil, including deodorant. I have tried and semi-perfected this recipe through trial and error, so help yourself!
What You’ll Need:
1/3 cup refined coconut oil (can be purchased at a local grocery store; I like to buy mine in bulk from a wholesale store)
1/3 cup corn starch
2 tablespoons baking soda (some prefer aluminum-free, which can be purchased online)
10 drops of essential oils such as tea tree oil (optional)
How To Make A DIY Deodorant:
Step 1: Mix
Mix coconut oil, baking soda, and corn starch with a spoon or use a hand held a mixer for about 30-60 seconds, or until the mixture is whipped and well blended.
Step 2: Add Essential Oil
Add the essential oil or your own fragrance until you get the scent you desire, and mix well. I use tea tree oil because, aside from its pleasant scent, tea tree oil has anti-bacterial properties that help kills bacteria which causes body odor.
Step 3: Transfer The Mixture
Scoop the mixture into a glass jar or a deodorant container of your choice.
Step 4: Proper Storage
Store at a cool or room temperature to avoid the mixture from melting. Depending on the temperature of your home this might stay solid or a bit liquid. This DIY deodorant should have about 4-5 months shelf life.
A Few Things To Keep In Mind:
Always apply this mixture to freshly washed pits! If you are a naturally sweaty person, then you will want to apply liberally. Also, we are always in a hurry, and sometimes we will do our beautifying in the car on the way and in the rush of things, leave the deodorant in the car only to come back hours later to find it melted in the heat. So be sure to store your deodorant in a cool dry place.
However, if it does melt, pop it in the freezer for a few minutes to allow it to solidify again. It will melt immediately on contact to your pits because the main ingredient is oil and as every cook knows, oil melts with heat. Another note, if you shave, the baking soda might irritate your freshly shaven skin. If this happens, I simply add a “pat” of cornstarch to help with the irritation. The irritation usually goes away by the next morning.
Want to see this DIY deodorant in action? Check this video from iamvanessae:
Needless to say, everyone is different and our bodies are different and react differently to things. When you make this recipe, you will have to tweak it to your preference. Some will prefer more baking soda to help absorb odors, some less due to irritation. In this case, just compensate with the cornstarch. The recipe is simple and almost everyone has the ingredients in their cupboards!
Will you give this DIY deodorant a try? Let us know in the comments section below.
