Survival Shelter Basics:

 Welcome to “The Ultimate Survival Companion”! In this article, we will discuss how to build a shelter with minimal tools and resources in a survival situation.

First, it is important to choose a site that is dry, flat, and not right next to a body of water. It should also not be underneath any cliffs, falling rocks, or dead limbs which could fall on you. The site should be readily visible or very well hidden (depending on whether you want to be found or not). You should also have a good place for a fire right in front of the doorway .

Next, you need to assess your needs. Here are some of the things you need to consider: How many people are in your group? Does your shelter need to be camouflaged? How cold is it? Will you build a fire inside or directly in front of your shelter? How much time do you have to make the shelter? Is the shelter for long-term or short-term use? .

There are many types of shelters you can build with minimal tools and resources. Here are some examples:

1. 
   Tarp Shelter: You just need a plastic tarp and some cordage for this survival shelter. You can even make it with a rain poncho in a pinch. Just tie each end of the tarp to a tree. Pros: Fastest to build, very easy to build, good for larger groups. Cons: Poor protection from wind and rain, could easily break from falling sticks, hard rain, etc., no protection from animals .

2. Tarp Tent: Just tie some cordage between two trees and drape your tarp over it. Then use some rocks, sticks, or more cordage to anchor the sides of the tarp away from you. Pros: Fast and easy to build, protects from rain. Cons: Only moderate protection from wind, could easily break from falling sticks, hard rain, etc.

   

3. Debris Shelter: Debris shelters are simple but sturdy shelters made from natural resources. You can create them out of wood, stone, mud, etc. These huts provide protection from the elements, and they are easy to make. Best of all, no special tools are needed to make a debris hut.

   
   
   

4. Body Heat Shelter: To build a simple body heat shelter, use debris from the ground such as dirt, leaves, and twigs, to create a mound and use larger sticks to frame it. Clear a hole just big enough to crawl into and cover the opening to block air flow and limit the open space. Your body heat will be trapped inside the shelter, keeping you warm throughout the night .

It is important to note that while these shelters can be built with minimal tools and resources, it is still important to have some basic tools available such as a survival knife, bushcraft axe, folding saw, and machete.

I hope this article has been helpful in teaching you how to build a shelter with minimal tools and resources in a survival situation. Remember to always practice building shelters so that you are prepared should you ever need this survival skill! Stay safe out there! 🏕️

Make The Government Pay YOU to Switch to Solar!

 

Welcome to The Ultimate Survival Companion! Are you considering switching to solar power? If so, you’re in the right place! In this article, we’ll discuss the various incentives available for solar power in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada. We’ll also provide an overview of the Federal Solar Tax Credit, which is the most significant incentive offered by the US government. Additionally, we’ll cover other incentives such as state and local tax credits, net metering, rebates, grants, and sales tax exemptions. Finally, we’ll provide some tips on how to determine your eligibility for these incentives and how to consult with a professional tax advisor to make the most of them. By the end of this article, you’ll have a better understanding of the benefits of solar power and how you can take advantage of the incentives available to you. Let’s get started!

The Federal Government offers incentives to encourage the adoption of solar power. The most significant incentive is the Federal Solar Tax Credit. This tax credit is a dollar-for-dollar reduction in the amount of income tax you would otherwise owe. It can be claimed on federal income taxes for a percentage of the cost of a solar PV system paid for by the taxpayer. The installation of the system must be complete during the tax year. Solar PV systems installed in 2020 and 2021 are eligible for a 26% tax credit. In August 2022, Congress passed an extension of the ITC, raising it to 30% for the installation of which was between 2022-2032. (Systems installed on or before December 31, 2019 were also eligible for a 30% tax credit.) It will decrease to 26% for systems installed in 2033 and to 22% for systems installed in 2034. The tax credit expires starting in 2035 unless Congress renews it. There is no maximum amount that can be claimed .

It is important to note that this is a general overview of the Federal Solar Tax Credit. or more detailed information, please refer to the Department of Energy’s Homeowner’s Guide to the Federal Tax Credit for Solar Photovoltaics . This guide provides an overview of the federal investment tax credit for residential solar photovoltaics (PV). It does not constitute professional tax advice or other professional financial guidance and may change based on additional guidance from the Treasury Department. Please see their published Fact Sheet for additional information .

If you are considering switching to solar power, it is recommended that you consult with a professional tax advisor to determine your eligibility for the Federal Solar Tax Credit and other incentives that may be available to you .

In addition to the Federal Solar Tax Credit, there are other incentives available for switching to solar power. These incentives vary by state and utility company. Some of the most common incentives include:

1. State and Local Tax Credits: Many states offer tax credits for installing solar panels. These credits can be used in addition to the Federal Solar Tax Credit .

2. Net Metering: Net metering is a billing arrangement that allows solar panel owners to receive credit for excess electricity they generate and send back to the grid. This credit can be used to offset the cost of electricity they consume when their solar panels are not generating enough electricity .

3. Rebates: Some utility companies offer rebates to customers who install solar panels. These rebates can help offset the upfront cost of installing solar panels .

4. Grants: Some states offer grants to homeowners who install solar panels. These grants can help offset the upfront cost of installing solar panels .

5. Sales Tax Exemptions: Some states offer sales tax exemptions for solar panel installations. This can help reduce the overall cost of installing solar panels 4.

It is important to note that these incentives vary by state and utility company. It is recommended that you consult with a professional tax advisor to determine which incentives are available to you .

Grants for installation: There are several grants available for solar power. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Solar Energy Technologies Office (SETO) supports funding opportunities on photovoltaics, concentrating solar-thermal power, systems integration, technology to market, and soft costs projects. These funding opportunities encourage collaborative partnerships among industry, universities, national laboratories, federal, state, and local governments and non-government agencies and advocacy groups. Solicitations may include financial or technical assistance .

In the UK, there are two grants that may help you buy solar panels for your home: the Energy Company Obligation scheme (ECO4) and the Home Upgrade Grant. ECO4 can provide up to £14,000 towards energy-saving initiatives for your home if you qualify..

The Canadian government has also announced a grant for homeowners to make energy-efficient retrofits to their primary residences. Homeowners will be able to receive grants of up to $5,000 to make energy-efficient retrofits to their primary residences, and up to $600 to help with the cost of home energy evaluations .

I hope this information helps!

The Federal Government offers incentives to encourage the adoption of solar power. The most significant incentive is the Federal Solar Tax Credit. This tax credit is a dollar-for-dollar reduction in the amount of income tax you would otherwise owe. It can be claimed on federal income taxes for a percentage of the cost of a solar PV system paid for by the taxpayer. The installation of the system must be complete during the tax year. Solar PV systems installed in 2020 and 2021 are eligible for a 26% tax credit. In August 2022, Congress passed an extension of the ITC, raising it to 30% for the installation of which was between 2022-2032. (Systems installed on or before December 31, 2019 were also eligible for a 30% tax credit.) It will decrease to 26% for systems installed in 2033 and to 22% for systems installed in 2034. The tax credit expires starting in 2035 unless Congress renews it. There is no maximum amount that can be claimed .

It is important to note that this is a general overview of the Federal Solar Tax Credit. or more detailed information, please refer to the Department of Energy’s Homeowner’s Guide to the Federal Tax Credit for Solar Photovoltaics . This guide provides an overview of the federal investment tax credit for residential solar photovoltaics (PV). It does not constitute professional tax advice or other professional financial guidance and may change based on additional guidance from the Treasury Department. Please see their published Fact Sheet for additional information .

If you are considering switching to solar power, it is recommended that you consult with a professional tax advisor to determine your eligibility for the Federal Solar Tax Credit and other incentives that may be available to you .

In addition to the Federal Solar Tax Credit, there are other incentives available for switching to solar power. These incentives vary by state and utility company. Some of the most common incentives include:

1. State and Local Tax Credits: Many states offer tax credits for installing solar panels. These credits can be used in addition to the Federal Solar Tax Credit .

2. Net Metering: Net metering is a billing arrangement that allows solar panel owners to receive credit for excess electricity they generate and send back to the grid. This credit can be used to offset the cost of electricity they consume when their solar panels are not generating enough electricity .

3. Rebates: Some utility companies offer rebates to customers who install solar panels. These rebates can help offset the upfront cost of installing solar panels .

4. Grants: Some states offer grants to homeowners who install solar panels. These grants can help offset the upfront cost of installing solar panels .

5. Sales Tax Exemptions: Some states offer sales tax exemptions for solar panel installations. This can help reduce the overall cost of installing solar panels 4.

It is important to note that these incentives vary by state and utility company. It is recommended that you consult with a professional tax advisor to determine which incentives are available to you .

Grants for installation: There are several grants available for solar power. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Solar Energy Technologies Office (SETO) supports funding opportunities on photovoltaics, concentrating solar-thermal power, systems integration, technology to market, and soft costs projects. These funding opportunities encourage collaborative partnerships among industry, universities, national laboratories, federal, state, and local governments and non-government agencies and advocacy groups. Solicitations may include financial or technical assistance .

In the UK, there are two grants that may help you buy solar panels for your home: the Energy Company Obligation scheme (ECO4) and the Home Upgrade Grant. ECO4 can provide up to £14,000 towards energy-saving initiatives for your home if you qualify..

The Canadian government has also announced a grant for homeowners to make energy-efficient retrofits to their primary residences. Homeowners will be able to receive grants of up to $5,000 to make energy-efficient retrofits to their primary residences, and up to $600 to help with the cost of home energy evaluations .

I hope this information helps!

 

Cooking Over an Open Fire: A General Guide

Cooking over an open fire is a skill that has been passed down from generation to generation. It’s a great way to enjoy the outdoors and cook delicious meals at the same time. Whether you’re camping, hiking, or in a survival situation, cooking over an open fire can be a lifesaver. Here are some tips to help you get started:

1. Use the Right Fuel

The first step to cooking over an open fire is to use the right fuel. Use only seasoned firewood that has dried well. Greenwood is difficult to light and the heat will be limited. Greenwood also smokes a lot and dies out easily. The moisture content of the wood must be 20 percent or lower. You can purchase moisture meters reasonably cheap if you’re unsure if your wood is dry enough. Over time, you’ll become familiar with wood that is good for burning as you gather it. Use hardwoods like hickory, elm, oak, or maple. Softwoods like pine are okay if they’re well-seasoned. Obviously, in a survival situation you will have to do the best you can with what you're given.

2. Set the Fire Correctly

There are a number of ways to start a fire, but here is the method I prefer. Starting the perfect fire makes for the perfect cooking conditions. You really don’t want to fail to light and get a good heat building. Start with paper, straw, and small dry twigs or thin bark. Light this small pile with matches or a lighter. Once it’s alight, add more small twigs. As the fire builds, gradually add bigger and bigger sticks. Once you have a good size fire, begin to add larger logs. You want to make sure the fire is burning well, but don’t add new logs too quickly after the previous one otherwise you’ll smother the fire and create a lot of smoke and little heat. Also, adding too many logs at once makes for a big fire that burns down quickly, and it may not hold enough heat in the coals.

3. Give Yourself Time

Cooking on an open fire is time-consuming. Unlike starting an oven and cooking, there is the prepping, fuel gathering, building the fire gradually, and reducing to coals to cook. Give yourself plenty of time and factor that in if you are cooking for other people. Start earlier than you think you need to. Cooking in the dark with a headlight isn’t the most fun. It’s hard to tell whether the food is cooked, burned, or raw.

4. Cook on the Coals, Not on Flames

One of the most common mistakes many people make is cooking on the fire too soon. This is especially so when you cook directly, like placing meat on a grill over the fire. You can be forgiven for thinking it’s good to cook on a flame because it’s often how fire-cooking is portrayed on television or movies. However, cooking on the flames will burn your food and leave it raw in the middle. Instead, wait until the flames have died down and you have a good bed of coals. This will give you a more even heat and allow you to cook your food to perfection.

5. Split The Fire for Cooking and Providing Heat

If you’re cooking for a long time, you may need to split the fire into two parts. One part will be for cooking, and the other will be for providing heat. This will help you maintain a consistent temperature and avoid burning your food.

6. Use Quality Cooking Equipment

When cooking over an open fire, it’s important to use quality cooking equipment. Invest in a good cast iron skillet, Dutch oven, or grill grate. These items will last a lifetime and make cooking over an open fire much easier.

7. Use Foil

Foil is a great tool for cooking over an open fire. You can wrap your food in foil and place it directly on the coals. This will help keep your food moist and prevent it from burning.

8. Cook on a Rock

If you don’t have a grill grate, you can cook directly on a rock. Just make sure the rock is clean and free of any debris. You can also use a flat rock as a griddle to cook pancakes, eggs, and other foods.

9. Other Ways to Cook During a Survival Situation

In a survival situation, you may not have access to an open fire. Here are some other ways to cook your food:

• Solar Cooking: Use the sun’s energy to cook your food. You can use a solar oven or make your own using a cardboard box and aluminum foil.

• Chemical Heating: Chemical heating packs are a great way to cook your food without a fire. Just add water to the pack and place your food inside.

• Canned Heat: Canned

Here’s a few recipes to try at your next BBQ or Camp Weekend: 

1. Campfire Lasagna: This is a crowd-pleasing favorite that will leave your guests impressed. It’s made with layers of pasta, meat sauce, and cheese, and cooked to perfection over an open flame .

2. Grilled Chicken Kabobs: These kabobs are easy to make and perfect for a summer barbecue. They’re made with chicken, bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms, and can be cooked over an open flame or on a grill .

3. S’mores: No campfire is complete without s’mores! All you need are graham crackers, chocolate, and marshmallows. Toast the marshmallows over an open flame and sandwich them between two graham crackers and a piece of chocolate .

For more ideas, check out these websites:

• Food Network: This website has 14 delicious recipes that you can cook over a campfire.

• Land O’Frost: This website has 16 surprising recipes that you can cook over a campfire.

• The Survivalist Blog: This website has 55 delicious open flame recipes that you can try.

 

The 5 C’s of Survival: Secrets to Long-Term Outdoor Survival

Surviving in the wilderness can be a daunting task, but with the right tools and equipment, no matter if you're camping or in a survival situation, it can be a rewarding experience. The 5 C’s of Survivability are a set of equipment and tools that often form the core of any survival pack. They list the top 5 most essential types of items that greatly improve survivability. The 5 C’s of Survivability are:

1. Cutting Tools

2. Combustion Devices

3. Cover

4. Container

5. Cordage

Cutting Tools

Cutting tools are extremely important and versatile. They enable a survivalist to build a shelter, gather and process food, and create other equipment and tools. A sharp knife or an axe makes cutting branches and smaller trees easier and more efficient as compared to using a rock fashioned into a primitive axe. There’s no rule saying you can’t bring more than 1 cutting tool. It’s even encouraged to have at least one or two backup knives. In general, preppers would want a one-hand axe, a survival/field knife, and backup knives which can be incorporated in a multi-tool, or a compact folding knife. Preppers should also consider bringing a good, quality folding saw. Sawing generally uses less energy than hacking a tree or a branch with a hatchet or an axe. A great example of a folding saw is the Sven Saw. It’s lighter than an axe, durable, and is leagues faster and easier to use for cutting branches and smaller trees. If the weight of the survival pack starts becoming an issue, an axe can be substituted with a folding saw, and high-carbon steel, full tang field knife. Both combined weigh less than an axe, and can accomplish tasks originally done with an axe. The saw can be used to gather wood, while the knife can be used to split/splinter wood. However, it’s still a good idea to have an axe, a knife, and a folding saw.

Combustion Devices

Combustion devices are handy survival tools in the wilderness. They can be used to start a fire, cook food, and provide warmth. A lighter, matches, or a ferrocerium rod are all good options. A ferrocerium rod is a type of fire starter that produces sparks when struck with a metal object. It’s a reliable and durable option that can be used in any weather condition. Preppers should also consider bringing a small stove or a portable grill. They are lightweight and can be used to cook food and boil water.

Cover

Another excellent tool for safety in the 5 C’s of survival is a cover. A cover can be a tarp, a tent, or even a poncho. It provides shelter from the elements and can be used to create a makeshift shelter. A tarp is a versatile option that can be used in many ways. It can be used as a ground cover, a shelter, or even as a rain catcher. A tent is a more permanent option that provides better protection from the elements. It’s a good idea to bring a tent if you’re planning on staying in the wilderness for an extended period of time.

Container

A container is an essential tool for survival in the wilderness. It can be used to store water, food, and other supplies. A water bottle or a hydration bladder is a good option for storing water. They are lightweight and can be easily carried in a backpack. Preppers should also consider bringing a metal container. A metal container can be used to boil water, cook food, and even signal for help.

Cordage

Cordage is another essential tool for survival in the wilderness. It can be used to tie things together, create a shelter, or even as a fishing line. Paracord is a popular option that is lightweight and strong. It can be used in many ways and is an essential tool for any survival pack. Preppers should also consider bringing a fishing line. A fishing line can be used to catch fish and provide a source of food.

10 Bonus Recommendations:

In addition to the 5 C’s of survival, there are other essential items that you should consider adding to your survival kit. Here are some of them:

1. Water and Water Purification: Water is essential for survival, and it’s important to have a way to purify water in case you run out of clean water. You can use water purification tablets, a water filter, or a portable water purifier.

2. Food: Non-perishable food items such as energy bars, canned food, and dried fruits are great options for survival kits. Make sure to pack enough food to last for at least three days.

3. First Aid Kit: A first aid kit is essential for treating injuries and illnesses. Make sure to include bandages, gauze, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, and any prescription medications you may need.

4. Navigation: A map and compass are essential for navigation. You can also consider adding a GPS device to your survival kit.

5. Lighting: A flashlight or headlamp is essential for lighting in the dark. Make sure to pack extra batteries or a solar-powered charger.

6. Fire Starter: A fire starter is essential for warmth, cooking, and signaling for help. You can use matches, a lighter, or a ferrocerium rod.

7. Emergency Shelter: A tent, tarp, or emergency blanket can provide shelter from the elements.

8. Multi-Tool: A multi-tool is a versatile tool that can be used for a variety of tasks such as cutting, opening cans, and tightening screws.

9. Personal Hygiene Items: Personal hygiene items such as toilet paper, soap, and hand sanitizer are important for maintaining cleanliness and preventing the spread of germs.

10. Emergency Whistle: An emergency whistle can be used to signal for help in case of an emergency.

Remember, the key to survival is preparation. Make sure to pack all the essential items you need before heading out into the wilderness. Stay safe!

In conclusion: The 5 C’s are the most essential types of items every survival kit should have. In the hands of an expert survivalist, these are enough to survive in the wild, create shelter, hunt food, and create additional tools and weapons. Remember, the key to survival is preparation. Make sure you have the right tools and equipment before heading out into the wilderness.

What To Do When You Are Dehydrated.

 

How to Rehydrate with Oral Rehydration Solutions

In the previous part of the series, we learned how to stay hydrated in a survival situation. We also learned how to prevent and recognize dehydration. However, sometimes dehydration can be caused by diarrhea or vomiting, which can result in a significant loss of fluids and electrolytes. In these cases, drinking plain water may not be enough to rehydrate your body. You may need to use oral rehydration solutions (ORS) to restore your fluid and electrolyte balance.

What are Oral Rehydration Solutions (ORS)?

Oral rehydration solutions (ORS) are liquids that contain water, sugar, salt, and sometimes other ingredients, such as baking soda or citrus juice. They are designed to replace the fluids and electrolytes that are lost due to diarrhea or vomiting. They can help prevent or treat dehydration, shock, and acidosis (a condition where your blood becomes too acidic).

ORS work by using the principle of osmosis. Osmosis is the movement of water across a membrane from a region of low solute concentration to a region of high solute concentration. In this case, the membrane is the lining of your intestines, and the solute is the sugar and salt in the ORS. When you drink ORS, the sugar and salt attract water from your bloodstream into your intestines. This increases the amount of water in your intestines, which helps flush out the bacteria or toxins that are causing diarrhea or vomiting. It also increases the amount of water in your bloodstream, which helps rehydrate your body and improve your blood pressure.

How to Make Homemade ORS

You can buy ORS packets from pharmacies or health centers, but they may not be available or affordable in some situations. Fortunately, you can make your own ORS at home using common ingredients. Here are some recipes for homemade ORS:

• Basic ORS: Mix 6 teaspoons of sugar and 0.5 teaspoon of salt in 1 liter of clean water. Stir well until dissolved.
• Baking Soda ORS: Mix 6 teaspoons of sugar, 0.5 teaspoon of salt, and 0.5 teaspoon of baking soda in 1 liter of clean water. Stir well until dissolved.
• Citrus Juice ORS: Mix 6 teaspoons of sugar, 0.5 teaspoon of salt, and 0.5 cup of citrus juice (such as lemon, lime, or orange) in 1 liter of clean water. Stir well until dissolved.

You can also add a pinch of potassium chloride or potassium-rich foods (such as bananas, potatoes, or coconut water) to your ORS to increase the potassium content.

How to Use ORS

The amount and frequency of ORS you need to drink depends on your age, weight, and severity of dehydration. A general guideline is to drink enough ORS to match the amount of fluid you lose through diarrhea or vomiting. For example, if you have one cup of diarrhea or vomit, you should drink one cup of ORS.

Some tips to use ORS are:

• Drink ORS slowly and in small sips.
• Drink ORS as soon as you start having diarrhea or vomiting.
• Drink ORS between meals, not with meals.
• Continue to drink ORS until your diarrhea or vomiting stops.
• If you have signs of severe dehydration (such as confusion, weakness, rapid heartbeat, low blood pressure, reduced skin elasticity, sunken eyes), seek medical attention immediately.
• If you have signs of other complications (such as blood in your stool or vomit, fever, abdominal pain), seek medical attention immediately.

Conclusion

Oral rehydration solutions (ORS) are liquids that can help you rehydrate your body when you have diarrhea or vomiting. They can prevent or treat dehydration, shock, and acidosis. You can make your own ORS at home using ingredients such as sugar, salt, baking soda, and citrus juice. You should drink enough ORS to match the amount of fluid you lose through diarrhea or vomiting.

This concludes our series on how to stay hydrated in a survival situation. We hope you found it useful and informative. Stay safe and healthy! 😊