by Mama Bear, Survival Blog:

(Continued from Part 2.)

COMMUNICATION

Communication methods must be well thought out, ahead of time. Most communication methods that are mentioned on the blogs/literature involve electronics such as ham radios, CB radios, walkie-talkies, portable radios, etc. All of these require some source of power. As discussed earlier, computers are very fragile and should not be depended on for communications.

• What power source does your communications technology use?


• Do you have backups?


• If using rechargeable batteries, how many times can they be recharged before they die?


• Are your communication methods subject to eavesdropping? (HINT: the answer is yes.) How will you communicate securely when needed?)


• What is the range of your communications technology?


• Have you practiced using it?


• Can you communicate with your neighbors or similarly minded preppers?


• Is the technology stored in such a manner that it is safe from an EMP?


• What will you do if the government/invaders/whoever knock on the door to confiscate your communications?

Look into alternatives as well. Telegraph between close neighbors might be feasible given a battery, telegraph key and wire (old phone wires, perhaps?). Coded light signals using lights or lanterns might be another method. Another method might be drum codes. A drop location to leave messages that can be checked by those who share that drop location might be another option. After all, humans communicated for many years before our current electronic technology became available. Consider researching and learning some of these older methods.

MEDICAL CARE, HEALTH AND HYGIENE

An extremely important part of planning is to prepare for the health, hygiene, and medical needs of your family. An assessment of the health issues of members of the family/group is essential. As is the overall physical fitness of each member. I mentioned earlier that I went on a program to lose weight and improve my physical fitness. I have also changed my diet and lifestyle and been able to get off all prescription medication.

• Is your weight at a healthy, physically fit level?


• Have you had a recent physical?


• Have you made any necessary diet and lifestyle changes to eliminate prescription medications as much as possible?


• Do you have a year’s supply of prescription medication stored? Do you rotate this supply?


• Have you had a recent dental exam and cleaning?


• Taken care of any caries or necessary dental work?


• Have you had a recent eye exam?


• Do you have a spare pair of glasses? Plenty of extra contacts and solution? Spare reading glasses?

• Have you stocked up on medical supplies? Bandages, antibiotics, burn ointment, splints/wraps, disinfectant, sutures, etc.


• Have you taken any first aid/medical training?


• What herbs and/or essential oils do you have on hand?


• What will you do if a member of your group is giving birth?


• Is there a local midwife?


• Is there a local doctor who is similarly minded?


• Do you have soap, toothpaste and other hygiene items?


• When you run out of hygiene items, can you make more?


• How much toilet paper do you have and what plans do you have for when it runs out?


• Do you have the means to wash clothes when the washer and dryer are not functional?

I located two books which have been very useful in preparing. One is called “Where There Is No Doctor” and the other is “Where There Is No Dentist.” Both are available online as free PDF downloads. I found the dental one very helpful in describing exactly the dental tools and techniques needed when no dentist is available. The medical one is also very helpful.

Many medical supplies such as scalpels and sutures can be purchased from veterinary supply catalogs when unavailable from other sources. Even IV saline can be purchased from these suppliers. Some drugs may require prescriptions, discuss this with your friendly fellow prepper doctor or veterinarian.

Both your local Red Cross and your local college offer first aid and medical classes that can be taken pretty inexpensively. Even to the extent of having a member of your group go through EMT and/or paramedic training.

Some areas may have classes in using herbs for medicine, if not, there are many excellent books available. But start to study now, purchase the essential oils, practice making tinctures. After the SHTF, it is a little late to try to figure out how to obtain, prepare and use these alternatives. Another excellent alternative to have on hand is colloidal silver. Although purchasing colloidal silver can be a little pricey, it is possible to purchase a colloidal silver generator and make your own. This is actually ionic silver but seems to work just as well as the colloidal silver.

One of the keys to maintaining health post-TEOTWAWKI will be nutrition. Interesting statistics from the medical field indicate that of all the health issues for which people seek medical care currently, close to 90% can be attributed to diet and nutrition. This includes diabetes, high blood pressure, stroke, obesity, digestive issues (stress), arteriosclerosis, even autoimmune disorders such as many cases of arthritis. By starting now to eat more nutritionally dense food, avoiding pre-made foods with added chemicals, losing weight, and becoming physically fit, you increase your chances of staying healthy. Among the benefits are a stronger immune system to reduce the chance of disease, a body less prone to injury in performing unaccustomed physical activity, and the reduction or elimination of many chronic health issues.

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