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Body Armor for Urban Survival: Here’s What You Need

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One of the most overlooked pieces of tactical equipment for civilians, without question, is body armor.

Many people are under the impression that body armor is for the military and law enforcement only. This could not be further from the truth. Not only is body armor fully legal in all fifty states, it’s widely available, too.

When preparing for SHTF and disaster scenarios, body armor is definitely something you’ll want to have in your arsenal. Let’s talk about body armor and what it is in greater depth.

What Is Body Armor?

‘Body armor’ is admittedly a very loose term. It’s often interchanged with other terms such as ‘bulletproof vests’ or ‘bullet-resistant vests.’

However, body armor is not necessarily bulletproof. In fact, body armor can be used to refer to any kind of covering to protect the body. Even a helmet could classify as ‘body armor’ if you want it to.

Today, however, ‘body armor’ is sometimes used to refer to vests or other protective coverings made out of UHMWPE, or Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene. These are essentially plastics that have been tightly woven to give them added strength. The fibers can also disperse a bullet’s energy as it travels through the various layers, so even if it can’t stop the bullet completely, it can at the very least slow it down by a significant margin.

Another type of body armor that is quite common uses steel or titanium plates that are carried around the torso in plate carriers. This type of body armor is much heavier, but it also offers significantly greater protection for UHMWPE body armor.

Fitting Your Body Armor

Regardless of which type of body armor you get, it is important for you to cover the main areas of your torso: your back, your front, and your sides. The armor will need to be properly positioned and correctly adjusted. Otherwise, it won’t offer you sufficient protection, especially for your ribs and vital organs.

Do You Really Need Body Armor?

The short answer to this question is that it’s up to you.

But in all seriousness, body armor can quite literally be a lifesaver in a defensive scenario. Just imagine that disaster has struck, the power grid has collapsed, and now you have to defend your home, property, family, and supplies against raiders and marauders.

Sure, you may be armed, but those raiders and marauders will be armed, too. Wouldn’t it be preferable to have at least some degree of protection to hopefully stop a bullet or shrapnel?

You decide.

Is Body Armor For Sure Going To Save Your Life?

The short answer to this question is no.

It’s possible that body armor will save your life, but it’s not guaranteed by any means.

For example, most bulletproof types of body armor that are sold on the market will do a fine job of stopping a 9mm bullet or a similar pistol caliber. But they can’t resist a much higher caliber such as a 5.56x45mm NATO or .308 Winchester round… at least if it doesn’t have a high enough NIJ rating, which we’ll get to in a second.

So while body armor cannot for sure save your life, it can at the very least increase your chances of survival, and that’s what matters.

NIJ Rating: What It Is and Why It’s Important

When you go shopping for body armor, the most important factor to consider is the body armor’s NIJ rating.

NIJ stands for National Institute of Justice Their rating system is today widely used around the entire world as the ballistic standard of resistance.

Any body armor that you can buy from a reputable manufacturer is going to have an NIJ rating. In fact, if it doesn’t have an NIJ rating, that’s good enough reason not to buy that type of body armor.

Here are the levels of the NIJ rating system and the bullets that they will be able to stop:

Level I – .22 LR
Level IIA – 9mm Luger and .40 S&W
Level II – .357 Magnum
Level IIIA – .44 Magnum
Level III: .308 Winchester
Level IV: .30-06 Springfield (armor piercing rounds)

The vast majority of so-called bulletproof body armor on the market will have a rating of Level IIA or lower, so if you want body armor that can stop a rifle bullet, you’ll want Level III or higher.

Types of Body Armor

There are many different types of body armor on the market, which we will go over now:.

Soft Body Armor

Soft body armor is designed to stop a round from penetrating through the armor by rapidly decelerating it, and hopefully resulting in it falling out (sort of like water coming out of a sponge).

Soft body armor can work, but it really depends on what condition the vest is in and what types of bullets are being fired. Many types of soft side body armor are rated for pistol calibers of 9mm Luger or less only (so NIJ Level IIA or less), and they can usually only take a small number of rounds before failing as the armor will weaken after each shot.

Ceramic Plates

Soft armor usually works for preventing handgun rounds, but it is far less effective for rifle caliber rounds, if even effective at all.

This is why you’ll want hard steel plates for resisting rifle rounds. Plates can be constructed from a wide variety of materials, but ceramic is the most common, which has been around for several years.

Ceramic works to fracture the impact of the bullet while simultaneously slowing it down. Meanwhile, the Kevlar (which serves as the backing material) will keep the round inside of the plate.

The only downside to ceramic is that it rarely works for taking multiple rounds, as the plate weakens significantly with each firing round that comes into contact with it. It’s also heavy and you’ll need an additional carrier of some kind to wear it.

Polyethylene Plates

Another type of plate that has become very popular in recent years is the polyethylene plate, also known as poly plates for short.

This is a high-quality plastic that has the ability to stop rifle rounds because it will stop the incoming round and break it apart upon impact. What’s more, it is far lighter than ceramic, which can add as much as fifteen pounds to your already heavy gear load.

Steel Plates

Steel isn’t used as often today, at least not by professional operators, because it is very heavy. Still, a strong enough steel is quite cheap and will reliably prevent rifle rounds, which can make them an effective choice for those on a budget.

Choosing A Carrier

When you choose to have body armor, you will also need to have a carrier, regardless of whether you go with soft armor or hard armor.

The best armor carriers are built out of either polyester or cotton and have Velcro straps as well.

There are two basic kinds of armor carriers:

1. Plate Carriers
2. Full Carriers

Plate carriers can only carry hard carriers like steel or ceramic, while full carriers can carry either hard or soft armor, which obviously makes them more versatile.

You can also buy carriers that are fully adjustable and that allow you to attach other gear with MOLLE webbing, such as extra pouches and whatnot.

As far as specific qualities that you should look for in armor, you will want the following:

• Multiple stitching: Especially on the attachment points and the seams. This greatly aids in the durability and longevity of your carrier.
• Drag handles: So a comrade can help carry you off the battlefield if you are wounded.
• Adjustability: So you can adjust your carrier to your body size and shape; both the shoulder straps and the band around your torso and waist should be fully adjustable.
• No Elastic: Elastic is a bad choice for carriers because it weakens and your vest will, after extended use, begin to sag, which exposes vulnerable regions of your body. You must ensure that your plate is always centered over your torso, and both the front plate and the back plate need to mirror one another.

Conclusion

You can greatly increase your chances of survival in a combat situation by investing in an armor that has a high enough NIJ rating. Just remember that you should never get too overconfident with the body armor that you wear. It doesn’t make you invincible, and it can still fail.

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The Time-Tested, Hidden Benefits Of Fermented Foods

The Time-Tested, Hidden Benefits Of Fermented Foods was originally published to http://totalsurvival.net

There are so many reasons why you should incorporate fermented foods into your diet.

Fermented foods: the words bring up images of sauerkraut and kimchi along with other pungent morsels. But if you haven’t given it much more thought than that, well, perhaps you should.

Fermentation is a great way to preserve food without the use of canning pots and freezers. It’s also loaded with additional benefits that other forms of preservation just don’t give you.

What Is Fermentation?

Fruits and vegetables naturally carry a beneficial bacteria known as lactobacilli. It’s one of the same types that you can find in cultured dairy products such as yogurt. Fermentation occurs when you submerge a fruit or vegetable in brine. After this, the lactobacilli will then begin to eat the natural sugar and essentially convert it into alcohol. Additionally, while the good bacteria are growing in number, they’re inhibiting putrefying bacteria that would otherwise cause the food to rot. The number of helpful bacteria will increase and they will produce enzymes. They will also produce other substances which have antibiotic and anti-carcinogenic properties.

Many cultures have employed this process since ancient times. The Ancient Greeks understood that an important chemical change took place during lacto-fermentation. They called it “alchemy.”

What Are The Benefits Of Fermented Food?

Perhaps the biggest benefit of consuming fermented food is its ability to boost your immune system. Scientists estimate that somewhere between 80-90 percent of your immune function happens in your gut. When “bad” bacteria overrun your intestines, you get sick. Adding a few spoonfuls of sauerkraut to your sandwich is like sending a small army of good bacteria to fight off the bad.

The bacteria from lacto-fermentation also helps to aid in digestion and may even help you to absorb certain nutrients more easily.

Finally, it is the only form of preservation that not only does not destroy certain nutrients, but it actually increases some. It is food that is high in digestive enzymes, B vitamins, omega 3s as well as lactase and lactic acid, which fend off harmful bacteria.

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Furthermore, good health is not the only benefit – these foods are also incredibly easy on your pocketbook. Not only are fermented foods inexpensive, but you can make them very easily yourself. When you find that you’ve got more cabbage (or just about any other veggie) than your family is going to eat fresh, it’s a simple matter to ferment it yourself.

Purchasing Fermented Foods

While making fermented foods is an easy do-it-yourself project, there may be times when you’ll want to buy it from your local grocery store.

If you’re going to go for the store-bought variety, select something from the refrigerated section. Fermented food is full of living organisms that need to be kept cool in order to stay alive. Make sure the label does not say “pasteurized.” This would mean that those companies have heated and killed all those wonderful bacteria in their products.

Also, if purchasing a fermented soy product such as a miso, tempeh, or soy sauce, consider looking for one with an “organic” or “non-GMO verified” label. This is because soy is one of the worst offenders for being genetically modified.

Making Your Own Fermented Foods

If you’ve never made your own fermented foods before, it’s worth giving a try.

If you’ve never made your own fermented foods before, it’s worth giving a try. It is perhaps the easiest method of preservation and it does not require any special equipment. Beets, radishes, green beans, and onions all work well. But if this is your very first time, try starting out by making sauerkraut as it’s the easiest.

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To make your own sauerkraut, simply wash and shred your cabbage and put it into a sealable container such as a mason jar. (Use a bigger one than you think you’ll need as it might bubble over during the fermentation process if you don’t). Now cover it with salt. That’s it! The salt will draw out the water in the cabbage and combine with it to form a brine. You may need to put some type of weight on the cabbage in order to keep it submerged.

Now keep your jar at a cool temperature – either in a cold cellar or in the refrigerator. The fermentation process will take about three days for a quart-sized jar. You’ll know when it’s ready by tasting it every couple of days. You’ll probably see some bubbles and a substance that looks like a white foam or scum. Nonetheless, this is normal and you can skim it off. If you expose any cabbage to the air it could get some mold, but this will not ruin the submerged cabbage in any way. Simply remove any moldy bits and enjoy your creation on a sausage, sandwich, or all on its own.

Conclusion

There are so many reasons why you should incorporate fermented foods into your diet. It’s healthy, inexpensive, and a great method of preservation. It’s also super easy to do yourself. Why not get started by making your own batch of sauerkraut today? From there, experiment with other vegetables and enjoy all of the benefits that these foods have to offer.

You may also enjoy reading an additional Off The Grid News article: Vinegar-Based Fruit Juices Ben Franklin Drank As Medicine On Hot Summer Days

What are your favorite fermented foods? Share them and any tips in the comments below.

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The 18 Worst (Funniest) Homemade Pools Ever Made

The 18 Worst (Funniest) Homemade Pools Ever Made Read more on: http://totalsurvival.net

A temporary swimming pool is a nice option for anyone who has only some limited space available in their backyard or don’t want to invest in a permanent one. Having a classical swimming pool requires a lot of money for maintenance, so a makeshift swimming pool is a more practical option.

This Article Was Originally Posted on goodshomedesign.com Read The Original Article here

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Off-Grid Medicine Kit – How To Make Your Own Tea Tree Oil

The blog post Off-Grid Medicine Kit – How To Make Your Own Tea Tree Oil was originally published to http://www.totalsurvival.net/

Tea tree oil is the one essential oil you don’t want to be without.

Tea tree oil is both nature’s antibiotic and disinfectant. The list of medical uses for this essential oil is nearly endless. A homesteading, off-the-grid, or prepping family should keep at least 24 bottles of essential oil on hand for every three members of the family or group. Tea tree oil is a must for every bug out bag and first aid kit.

Making vs. Buying

Melaleuca alternifolia trees (a.k.a. “tea trees”) grow mostly in Australia, which limits access to raw leaves for many. Fortunately, you can also buy the leaves wholesale. Either way, the steam distillation process must be used to create this essential oil. The essential oil contains 48 natural compounds and no one can reproduce it synthetically. Effective grades of tea tree oil can typically be purchased for around $5 to $7 per bottle, either online or at a local store.

How to Make Tea Tree Oil

If you have a source of leaves, use the following directions to make the oil.

1. Place tea tree leaves in a pot and pour in only enough water to cover the leaves. Put a vegetable steamer into the pot over the top of the leaves and water.
2. Place a measuring cup inside the vegetable steamer.
3. Place the lid on the pot upside down so that the handle nub in the center is pointing towards the measuring cup.
4. Turn the stove on high to boil the water and steam the leaves. The water will soon begin to condense and evaporate. The condensation will slide towards the handle and into the measuring cup.
5. Put about four ice cubs on top of the upside-down pot lid to hasten the steam condensation.
6. Once all the ice had melted, turn off the stove burner.
7. Take off the lid and pour the ice cube water into the sink. Remove the glass measuring cup next – use pot-holders when completing both of these steps.
8. Pour the measuring cup contents into a separating funnel. The stopcock at the bottom of the funnel must be closed. Close the top of the funnel and shake vigorously.
9. Invert the funnel and then open to release pressure. The oil will float to the top of the water, effectively separating the two substances.
10. Place a glass bottle beneath the stopcock and release the water. Pour the tea tree oil into a different glass bottle, preferably one dark in color.
11. Repeat the same process up to three more times to pull more oil from the same tea-tree leaves.

Tea Tree Best Uses

Acne, Carbuncles, and Canker Sores, Chigger Bites, and Cold Sores: Mix between 20 to 40 drops of tea tree oil to your current face wash and use as a cleanser and toner to clear up acne. For carbuncles, chigger bites, cold sores, canker sores, and pimples, dab one or two drops of the essential oil directly onto the sore.

Minor Cuts and Scrapes: Clean the area well with water and then apply several drops of tea tree oil directly onto the cut. Depending upon the size or depth of the wound, there may be a slight stinging sensation, but not any worse than when using peroxide.

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Tea Tree For Arthritis

Arthritis: Tea-tree oil is perhaps the best way to alleviate the pain and swelling associated with arthritis and carpel tunnel. Massaging the oil directly onto the area of pain two to three times per day often reduces inflammation and discomfort. Mix 20 drops of tea tree oil with two ounces of a carrier oil, and store inside a tightly closed bottle in a cool and dark space for use as needed.

Allergies: Massage either undiluted or carrier oil diluted tea-tree oil onto the soles of the feet, abdomen, and/or chest to alleviate allergy symptoms. One undiluted drop on each foot enough oil to typically help relieve seasonal allergy symptoms. Mix two drops of oil with one to two drops of carrier oil when massaged on the chest or abdomen area.

Asthma: Pour two to three drops of carrier oil into a small to a medium-sized saucepan and fill with water. Heat the mixture on the stove for several minutes – do not bring to a boil. As the oil and water begins to cool, place a towel over the patient’s head and breath in the oil and water mixture for several minutes.

Athletes Foot: Remedy athletes foot by applying a mixture of tea-tree oil, a carrier oil, and cornstarch on clean dry feet once every two weeks. Mix one tablespoon of carrier oil with 10 drops of tea tree oil together and massage on feet and especially between the toes. Once the oil mixture air dries, make sure that you dust with cornstarch until your feet are covered. Allow the cornstarch to remain on the feet inside socks overnight, or apply in the morning and simply pull on a fresh pair of socks and head out the door to do chores or go to work.

Beat Bacterial With Tea Tree Oil

Bacterial Infections: Tea tree oil can be used to fight bacterial infections in several ways. The oil (either in undiluted form or mixed with a carrier oil) can be applied directly to reflex points of the feet. Several drops in the bath water can also help heal bacterial infections. The same mixture which is applied to the feet can also be carefully applied directly onto the infected area. Use a Q-Tip, clean cotton cloth, or spray bottle when putting the oil mixture onto the bacterial infection.

Bladder Infection: Pour approximately 10 to 15 drops of tea tree oil into a shallow bath and carefully wash the area. Dilute with a small amount of water if necessary. Skin irritation is a concern.

Blisters: After washing the blister carefully, follow the tea-tree oil cuts and scrapes remedy instructions further below.

Boils: Hold a very warm cloth on the boil for several minutes and then apply two drops of tea-tree oil to the area. The infection housed inside the boil should come to a head and be ready for easy release after one or two treatments.

Bruises: Apply ice or cold water to the bruise, pat dry, and then follow the arthritis relief directions above.

Bronchitis Blaster

Bronchitis and Bronchial Congestion: For congestion, mix between five to 10 drops of tea tree oil with one ounce of a carrier oil and massage it onto your throat and chest three times per day. For bronchitis, pour two drops of the essential oil into a pot of hot water and breathe in the steam. Then, you can massage the congestion mix onto your chest and throat in conjunction with the pot breathing treatment.

Burns: Pour very cold water onto the burn area and allow to air dry. Mix five drops of tea tree oil with one teaspoon of raw honey and drop onto the burn area three to five times per day.

Bunions, Corns, and Calluses: Mix one tablespoon of a carrier oil with five drops of tea-tree oil and massage onto bunions several times per day.

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Chicken Pox: Apply one drop of tea tree oil directly onto each blister and allow to dry. Once dry, dust with cornstarch. Repeat this process every few hours or at least twice each day, until the chicken pox blisters disappear. Tea tree oil may also help reduce or eliminate scarring.

Coughs: Follow the bronchial congestion and bronchitis directions above. You may also pour 10 drops of tea tree oil into the steamer compartment of a vaporizer and use for 10 minutes, several times daily, to relieve a cough.

Dandruff And Dry Skin

Dandruff: Mix 25 drops of the essential oil into any shampoo and use regularly to cure and prevent dandruff. To ease itching from a current dandruff issue, massage two drops of undiluted tea-tree oil or two drops of oil mixed with a teaspoon of carrier oil mix directly onto the scalp.

Dry Skin: Mix together one tablespoon of sweet almond oil with five drops of tea-tree oil and massage onto dry skin as needed.

Dermatitis: Mix one tablespoon of a carrier oil with 10 drops of tea tree oil and massage onto the affected region. You can repeat this process up to three times per day.

Earache: Mix two tablespoons of warm olive oil with two to three drops of tea tree oil and place a small amount into the ear with a dropper. Use a Q-Tip to absorb oil from the infected ear after several minutes. Repeat up to three times daily until the earache subsides.

Tea tree oil leaves.

Eczema: Mix one tablespoon of either coconut oil or grapeseed oil with 10 drops of tea tree oil and massage onto affected area up to three times per day.

Tea Tree Oil Fights Fungus

Fingernail and Toenail Fungus: Use a cotton cloth or Q-Tip to massage one to two drops of the essential oil onto the nail and surrounding skin. Allow the oil to dry completely before using the hands or feet. You can repeat this process twice a day until the nail fungus is gone. And, you can also use this same process to eliminate plantar warts.

Household Pests: Reduce the spread of disease caused by common household pests with tea-tree oil. Several drops of undiluted oil at areas where pests such as ants, mice, and bugs have been spotted will deter future entry. Clean cabinets or shelves with an equal part tea-tree oil and water mixture to deter mice and bugs from visiting your food stores.

Mouthwash: There is no need to run to the local chain store to cure bad breath. This mouthwash also helps keep teeth and gums healthy. Simply mix one drop of tea tree oil with one ounce of water and shake. Gargle with the mixture only – do not swallow.

Mosquito Bites and Bee/Wasp Stings: Apply one drop of tea tree oil directly onto the area of the bite or sting. Dilute with a half teaspoon of carrier oil if skin irritation is a concern. Experts always recommend diluted essential oils for young children and pets.

Soak Away Pain With Tea Tree Oil

Muscle Pain and Muscle Aches: Mix a half of a cup of Epsom salts with 12 to 15 drops of tea tree oil and dissolve into bath water. To massage sore muscles, mix 10 drops of the essential oil with two tablespoons of a carrier oil and use as needed. The mixture will keep for at least six months when stored in a dark glass container in a cool and dry space.

Mumps: Follow chicken pox directions and diffuse throughout the home to alleviate symptoms. You can massage the muscle pain mixture directly onto your feet to help reduce mump symptoms.

Psoriasis: Mix one tablespoon of a carrier oil with 10 drops of the essential oil and massage onto the affected region. Repeat this process up to three times per day until symptoms subside. You can also use undiluted oil to fight psoriasis if skin irritation is not a concern.

Rheumatism: Reduce the swelling and pain associated with rheumatism by mixing two tablespoons of a carrier oil with 20 drops of tea tree oil. Massage the mixture onto the affected area up to three times per day.

Ringworm: Mix one drop of lavender oil with one drop of tea tree oil and gently rub onto the ringworm spot. Undiluted tea-tree oil is also very effective in removing ringworm but may irritate sensitive skin when used several times a day for an entire week.

Skin Rashes, Scabies, and Rubella: Mix equal parts coconut oil and tea tree oil and gently rub on skin rashes.

Tea Tree Warnings

The essential oil is widely regarded to be safe, gentle on the skin, and has few side effects when used correctly. Do not swallow tea-tree oil. 1,8-cinelole, a substance that is known to irritate the skin of some users, is present in various quantities of tea-tree oil. I have recommended and handed out the oil to a multitude of friends and acquaintances, and none have ever reported anything but positive results without any side effects.

Essential oils that are not diluted should not be for folks with sensitive skin. You can also use carrier oils to dilute essential oils without reducing the effectiveness of the natural medication. When fixing up home remedies for our dogs, I use only 1 drop of tea tree oil per every five pounds of the dog’s weight. Some pets do have a negative reaction to the oil, so use sparingly and adjust amounts as necessary.

Symptoms of an allergic reaction or tea-tree oil poisoning include loss of muscle control in the legs and arms, disorientation, drowsiness, and rash.

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