DON’T MISS: WHY HUNTING MAKES YOU A BETTER SURVIVOR

STAYING SAFE
WHEN YOU’RE IN
BEAR COUNTRY

IN THIS ISSUE: MARCH 2019

NON-LETHAL NOVEL USES

WEAPONS TO FOR YOUR
FIGHT BACK SOLAR OVEN

DO YOU HAVE KEEP YOUR

WHAT IT TAKES CAR RUNNING
TO SURVIVE? AFTER THE SHTF

STOP A SNOWFALL HOW TO AVOID

FROM RUINING BEING CAUGHT
YOUR ROOF OFF GUARD

and more…
VIP SURVIVAL ACADEMY - MARCH 2019

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Contents ,

WHY HUNTING WILL MAKE YOU A BETTER SURVIVOR

FEATURED This last weekend I was asked to explain why I believe every survivalist take up hunting. Of
course, the short answer is so you won't ever starve, but there's a little more to it than that…

STAYING SAFE WHEN YOU'RE IN BEAR COUNTRY

page 4 I shouldn't have to tell you about the dangers you face when you head into the wild. From
getting lost to taking a fall, one area that gets a surprising amount of press is animal attacks…

NOVEL USES FOR YOUR SOLAR OVEN

page 5 When the grid goes down you're going to be glad you have a solar oven in your stockpile. Not
only does it allow you to cook your food without burning vital fuel, it's an inexpensive device…

HOW TO KEEP YOUR CAR RUNNING AFTER THE SHTF

page 6 When the SHTF one of your most valuable assets is going to be your car, that is, as long as you
can keep it running. Because there will be no gas stations to top up at, and no garages to help…

DON'T GET CAUGHT OFF-GUARD IN A CRISIS

page 8 If any crisis in recent history has shown us anything, it's that the world is not a safe place. There
are people out there with bad intentions, just waiting for the opportunity to strike. Only you…

NON-LETHAL WEAPONS TO FIGHT BACK

page 9 I'm a big supporter of being able to protect yourself no matter what. You never know what a
bad guy is intending, and without an edge in the fight, it could end very badly. But I get that…

DO YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES TO SURVIVE?

page 10 When you start to learn a little about survival, you'll be surprised at just how many real-life
situations where people were able to survive with nothing. You see, there's one overarching…

STOP A SNOWFALL RUINING YOUR ROOF

page 11 Living on a homestead is a lifestyle choice I'll never regret making, but each year when the snow
starts to fall I always get a brief feeling of dread. There's a beauty to the winter wonderland…

SMART HOMESTEADING TIPS FOR APARTMENT-DWELLERS

page 13 I've been a fan of homesteading for a long time, it's a dream I've had since I was a kid. Yet it was
only a few years ago I was able to finally make a down-payment on the perfect property…

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VIP SURVIVAL ACADEMY - MARCH 2019

WHY HUNTING WILL MAKE YOU A BETTER SURVIVOR

This last weekend I was asked to HUNTING GIVES YOU SKILLS HUNTING BOOSTS YOUR
explain why I believe every survivalist WITH YOUR FIREARM SITUATIONAL AWARENESS
take up hunting.
There's no question that knowing your One of the most valuable skills you
Of course, the short answer is so you way around a gun is a good survival need to master for survival is the art of
won't ever starve, but there's a little trait that everyone who cares about staying aware.
more to it than that. their own safety in a crisis should learn.
Knowing what's going on around you
Now don't get me wrong, I'm a big fan Practice is a skill you'll hear me harp on at all times, feeling the "pulse" of a
of the outdoors and taking care of the about again and again, but it's vital. particular environment, and being ready
natural world, but I'm also a big fan of to act when an opportunity comes.
hunting. Getting comfortable with shooting,
learning to control the weapon, and To be successful in your hunts, you
It's a tradition my grandfather passed mastering the aim and the perfect shot need to attune yourself with the woods
down to my dad, one he passed to me. are vital to a good hunt. around you.

Hopefully I'll get to share it one day But this also translates to self-defense.
with my kids.
If you've ever in a position where you
Because I understand we no longer live need to protect yourself, being
in the old pioneer days, but I also comfor table with your firear m,
worry. knowing how to load and fire it “how to
efficiently, will go a long way to keeping
Our generation has become too
accustomed to convenience.
yourself, and your family safe. make the
Supermarkets stocked full of processed
Especially if you’re a decent shot.
split-second
foods and ready-to-eat meals, and Take the time to learn how to shoot.
despite the growing "organic" trend, I decision
believe we've lost touch with our roots. Even if it involves a little time spent on

Many people have never had to catch

the range with your practice targets. and pull the
and eat their own food, and they have
almost no idea what goes into a
Over time, you'll improve, and will get
more proficient in your accuracy, your trigger…”
successful hunt. If you want to have ability to focus, and of course, how to
any hope at surviving a crisis, you need make the split-second decision and pull
to learn to hunt. Here's why. the trigger.

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VIP SURVIVAL ACADEMY - MARCH 2019

cont.

Learning the different patterns, sounds

and behaviors of your prey, while also
training yourself to adapt to the almost
guaranteed unpredictability of the
outdoors.

Everything from the weather to the

conditions, the animals around, and the
time of year will challenge your abilities
to think outside of the box.

You'll develop the ability to remain still

and patient, while learning to trust your
gut about a particular sign. These
instincts translate well to survival, as it
sharpens your ability to watch and
observe, and react appropriately to
whatever situation presents. You'll learn
how to take care in your actions, and
it'll get easier to notice when something
just feels wrong. A feeling deep in your
gut that may just save your life.

HUNTING DEVELOPS YOUR

STRENGTH OF CHARACTER

In a crisis, it's not only about being the

strongest or fittest. You need the
strength of character to keep yourself
sane, when everything around you turns
to chaos.

What I've learnt most from my time in

the woods is discipline.

Successful hunts are those where you've

taken the time to prepare, scouting
locations, cleaning your gear, and
planning your strategy instead of
simply wandering off into the woods.

It's time consuming, but any successful HUNTING GETS YOU OFF OF I'm confident that if I throw together a
hunter will tell you that it's discipline THE COUCH AND INTO THE quick lean-to, it's not going to collapse
which leads to their success. WOODS on me as soon as the wind changes
direction.
Of course, not every hunt will be a Finally, and perhaps most importantly,
good one, and you're sure to experience is one simple fact. Getting geared up There's much to be said about the
your fair share of disappointments. A and going hunting gets you off the benefits of learning first-hand the skills
missed shot. A wasted day. couch and into the great outdoors. But you need to survive in the woods, and
not only during hunting season. hunting gets you out there and doing
The important part is deciding how just that. Practical experience with your
you'll deal with these. Over time, I've I'll be out building hides or scouting gun, learning precisely what you need
discovered you simply need to let it go. new patches of trees, walking for miles to know to use it effectively in a crisis.
You won't always do everything looking for the perfect areas to hunt.
perfectly, the key is to learn and I've lost count of the hours I've spent If you've been looking for a new hobby
improve, and perhaps next time you'll tracking animals, reading signs and to support your survivalist goals, you
be ready. suffering everything mother nature has need to start hunting.
thrown at me, but it's also wonderfully
When the SHTF, it's going to take positive. The skills you develop will improve
everything you've got to stop yourself your ability to survive ten-fold, and
giving in to the despair and stressors You see, I'm that much more self- you'll get much more confident in
which now exist in every simple task. reliant now. I know where to find water yourself.
The discipline and ability to learn from in my local environment. I've learnt,
your mistakes you've developed will be studied and actually tried to eat most of T he best possible outcome in
fundamental to staying sane during the edible plants I'm planning to preparation for a SHTF event.
those trying times. survive on.

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DESTROY ALL FOOD SCENTS

STAYING SAFE Bears have an uncanny sense of smell,
WHEN YOU'RE and will track the scent of a fresh kill
right back to your camp.
IN BEAR COUNTRY
It's your responsibility to ensure all of
your food supplies are sealed in bear-
I shouldn't have to tell you about the proof containers, and strung up in the
dangers you face when you head into trees to keep them out of reach.
the wild. From getting lost to taking a
fall, one area that gets a surprising The same goes for your clothes and
amount of press is animal attacks. Of cooking. Setup a separate camp for
course, with less than three people a cleaning your kills, cooking and eating
year even killed by bears, it's still a very your meals, and make sure that you've
real risk, especially if you're hiking and cleaned your hands, cooking gear and
camping in remote areas with lots of your dishes, and any blood that may
animal activity. have gotten on your clothes off before
you return back to your camp to sleep.
But it's not just bears. When you're Sleeping in clothes you've been cooking
camping you risk coming across in is a big mistake, as the bears will BE AS NOISY AS POSSIBLE
everything from mountain lions to smell the food, and you will get mauled
allig ators, not to mention the when they come to investigate. "Ho bear" is a call you should be
fearsomely aggressive moose. Follow making at regular intervals when you're
these tips and make sure you're not on DON’T RISK IT ALONE hiking in bear country, as you want to
the wrong side of an animal attack. be as noisy as possible. Startled bears
Hiking alone though an area where get angry, and that's when they attack.
LEAVE YOUR PETS AT HOME you've got large populations of bears Because their eyesight is much worse
isn't a good idea. You want another pair than ours, if you surprise a bear, they
As much as I like taking my two dogs of eyes and ears keeping watch, and if are most likely to attack first.
with me when I'm hiking in the wild, there's two of you (or more) you'll
there are certain areas it's best to leave make twice as much noise as you're You want to make as much commotion
them at home. Your dogs will bark and hiking. Which is important. Bears and noise as you can, to reduce the
aggravate a bear, and while you can usually attack when they're startled, so chances a bear doesn't hear you
train your dogs to bay and intimidate the noisier you are the better. coming. Being noisy is often enough
larger prey, most dogs won't have this for the bears to get a look at you and
instinct. And if you do happen to startle one, move away, before a confrontation even
stick together. Appearing larger and occurs.
They will run in and attack, and against more threatening than you are may
a larger bear, I can tell you this. It won't spook a black bear and scare it off. Or SACRIFICE YOUR PACK
end well. And if they do happen to if you do get attacked, at least you've
escape, they'll most likely be scared and got a friend there to help administer If you do happen to surprise a bear and
afraid, running straight back into your first aid. Just don't try and intimidate a backing away is no longer an option,
arms with the bear in hot pursuit. Bears grizzly, they'll see it as a challenge and you may be able to escape if you
have a chase instinct, and will charge you will lose. You're better off playing sacrifice your pack. Bears are hungry
your pets. dead until the grizzly loses interest. creatures, and they really just want to
secure their next meal. If you've got
DON’T FEED THE BEARS ARM YOURSELF WITH THE food in your pack, drop it and then
RIGHT WEAPONS back away.
There's a reason for all the signs
warning against feeding wild animals. Being able to defend yourself is The bear will smell it (if it's not too
People like to bait them to come close paramount, and you won't catch me in heavily wrapped), and will start going to
for a selfie or to get a better look, the woods with bears around without at town on your pack to get it out. Losing
which only seeks to condition the bears least my 12-guage shotgun. your kit hurts, but much less than
to expect food when humans are having your backpack mauled off your
around. If you disappoint them, that's The noise is often enough to scare a body if the bear catches up to you
when they get frustrated, and you've bear off, and if I do happen to get while you're escaping. Sacrifice your
got an angry bear to deal with. charged the stopping power should be pack, and slowly back away.
plenty to give me the advantage.
Don't give the bears any reason to Staying safe when you're hiking through
approach your camp, and for god's I've also got a canister of bear spray I bear country requires a little common
sake, don't feed them. This is training carry with me (I'd much rather use this sense, the ability to act noisily as you
them that human camps are a food first if I have a choice), to distress and trek through the woods, and ensuring
source, and that's not good for anyone. deter whatever bear I come across. every possible scent of food is
Especially if they've got cubs. It's not Many products offer a range of several destroyed (or at least not brought back
worth it for a picture, especially if the feet, which is usually more than enough to your camp). That's how you'll keep
mother bear suddenly decides her cubs to get a good spray in and scare them the bears away, and that's how you'll
are in danger. She will attack you. off and away from you and your camp. stay safe. Happy trails!

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I've also used it to dehydrate strips of

deer and make my own jerky, which is
great because when I do get the chance
to go out and hunt, I like to ensure
none of the meat is wasted.

DRYING OUT YOUR WORK

GEAR AND BOOTS

Now you may not want to do this in

the same solar oven you're using for all
of your food, but if you're suffering
with wet clothes and have no means to
dry them out, a solar oven is a handy
tool. I've got one we specially created
for all of our winter mittens, socks and
scarves, and it's also big enough should
I need to hang my jacket in there too. I
simply set the entire oven in the sun,
with the clothes inside. Even during
winter, it heats up quite considerably,
enough to remove the moisture from all
of the clothes inside.

REMOVING BUGS FROM YOUR

GRAIN STORES

NOVEL USES FOR YOUR SOLAR OVEN Sometimes it feels like no matter what
you do, the bugs still get into your rice
and other grains. Little weevil things
that don't actually do you any harm if
When the grid goes down you're going It takes about an hour to heat water to you do eat them, but they're a little
to be glad you have a solar oven in your an acceptable level, you don't need to unappetizing to see. Normally I'd throw
stockpile. Not only does it allow you to boil it. Instead, you just need to these out, but this last winter we
cook your food without burning vital pasteurize it (the process they use with actually had mold destroy quite a bit of
fuel, it's an inexpensive device that will milk), which is essentially just getting our stores thanks to a leaky roof, so I
help you with a number of survival- the water above 149 degrees Fahrenheit wanted to save the bug-ridden stuff.
related tasks. for 6 minutes or more. This kills all Placing bowls of rice in the solar
bacteria, parasites and pathogens, and cooker before I cooked it killed the
HOW DOES A SOLAR OVEN it'll be safe to drink. On a sunny day, bugs, making it easy to clear them out
WORK? you'll achieve this in under an hour. when I needed the rice. Was nice not
throwing it all away.
If you hadn't guessed from the name, CANNING FRUITS AND
let me make it clear how these nifty MAKING JAM STERILIZING SUPPLIES AND
little devices work. A solar oven INSTRUMENTS
harnesses the power of the sun to Stick the canning jars right in the solar
cook, focusing and amplifying the cooker with the fruits inside first thing If you've got a need to sterilize
power of the rays to a central point. in the morning, leaving them for the anything, you can simply stick it inside a
Kind of like using a magnifying glass to majority of the day. By the late solar oven and let the sun do its job.
burn leaves as a kid, a solar oven works afternoon these have heated until The heat achieved inside will kill
on a similar fashion, concentrating the boiling point, and then I remove them, bacteria and other pathogens, which is a
light from the sun into the pan or dish sealing the lid and letting each cool trick used by doctors in field hospitals
placed inside. With a little time, it'll before it goes into storage. all over the world. Personally, I've not
cook whatever is in there, but this isn't had a need for this yet, but I have taken
all a solar oven is good for. I've also lost count of the batches of t o s t e r i l i z i n g m y b e e r- m a k i n g
homemade jam I've cooked up in my equipment in the oven, and it works
MAKING WATE R S AFE TO solar oven, it's great for anything that surprisingly well.
DRINK needs to simmer for hours.
If you're on the fence about buying a
In a crisis you can't expect the water in DEHYDRATING FRUITS AND solar oven, let me help you make the
your taps to continue to flow, and even MEATS right decision. Not only does it give you
if it does, it's not safe to drink. There a means to cook when the grid goes
could be bacteria or other harmful Another trick I like to do is to use my down, you can use it for everything
contaminants, especially if you're solar oven as a dehydrator. Trays of from sterilizing water to drying out
needing to source water from a lake or fruit like apricots work fantastic in here, your clothes. For anyone keen on
a stream. Water must be sterilized especially once they come into season creating a sustainable lifestyle, it's a
before you drink it, and that's where a and the price at my local farmers must-have piece of equipment for your
solar oven comes into play. market drops through the floor. survival stockpile.

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VIP SURVIVAL ACADEMY - MARCH 2019

HOW TO KEEP YOUR CAR RUNNING AFTER THE SHTF

When the SHTF one of your most ENSURE YOU’VE GOT U N D E R S TA N D B A S I C C A R

valuable assets is going to be your car, ENOUGH FUEL MAINTENANCE
that is, as long as you can keep it
running. Keeping your car running will require Getting your vehicles services regularly
fuel. We've got a rather large stockpile is a smart idea, but there are a few
Because there will be no gas stations to of diesel to operate our heavy things you can do at home to prevent
top up at, and no garages to help fix equipment, which in a crisis could be smaller problems from becoming a big
whatever is wrong. used in our old Toyota. Our tank's got a one once the auto shops are closed.
little over 10,000 gallons, which should Make a habit of regularly checking the
Of course, major repairs aren't going to be plenty to keep it operational until fluid levels in your car, which includes
be possible in most backyard garages, things return to normal. the brake, transmission, oil, and
but there are a few things you can do to coolants. I also like to add a few drops
ensure your car continues to run for as But just in case I've also been working of dish soap to my wiper tank, it helps
long as possible. on a wood gasifier over the winter and the washers work better once I fire
hope to install this permanently on these up to clean my windshield.
BUY AN OLD DIESEL TRUCK another of our vehicles in the coming
weeks, it works to convert the gases in
After watching the guys on Top Gear wood and charcoal into a fuel that can
put a 1983 Toyota Hilux through the run a combustion engine.
works, it's my advice to buy one of
these. GET A SET OF JUMPER CABLES
“Make a
They purposefully crashed it, When cars have been sitting for too
submerged it in the ocean for several
hours, dropped an RV on it, and let it
long the first thing to go is the charge
in the battery.
habit of
fall 240 feet from the roof of an
imploding building, the car still started, Without it you may need to do a push regularly
and was able to drive. start (on a manual car), or to simply
jump start it from another vehicle. checking
That's impressive.

I've got a slightly newer Hilux on my

One of the most important things you
can have in your car in a crisis is a set
the fluid
of jumper cables, just in case.
homestead (1988), and the thing
doesn't ever miss a beat. If you're levels”
looking for a reliable car that will You'd actually be surprised at how
continue no matter what, buy an old often I've had to use mine these last
diesel Hilux. couple of years.

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VIP SURVIVAL ACADEMY - MARCH 2019

cont.

I've also bought an air compressor to

better check and re-pressurize my tires
and any spares, to help keep their air
levels at the optimum pressure, and
extend the life of my tires.

INVEST IN THE RIGHT

UPGRADES TO YOUR CAR

Aftermarket accessories definitely have

a place for preparedness, but we're not
talking about spoilers or things
designed to make your car pretty.

Consider upgrading your brake pads to

high-temperature options, which will
help you slow down faster should you
need to hit the brakes hard. Other
considerations like a roll cage, larger
tires, or even raising your truck could
help to make it more durable in the
event of a disaster.

One particular thing I like to do, is to

replace my tires before they wear out
completely, but take them home instead
of leaving the tires for the mechanics.
Right now, I've got two sets of spare
tires which are ready (and legal) to be
used, just in case I need to swap these
out at any stage. I've also installed a grill
guard, which gives me the ability to use
my truck as a makeshift battering ram
without doing significant damage to the
car, if I ever need to break through a
fence or push another car out of the
way in a SHTF event.

Oh, and don't forget simple things like

being able to communicate. I've got a
CB radio installed that allows my truck
and our home base to stay in close
contact, as well as a series of lights
rigged up should I ever need to fully
illuminate one of our fields or part of But not only that, I've also got a bug Being able to stop yourself from
the property at night. out kit I keep in my truck. getting in an accident in the first place
will go a long way to keeping your car
PUT TOGETHER A RESCUE KIT It's got everything I need to survive up running once the SHTF.
to 72 hours, including food, water,
This is especially critical if you're going blankets as well as shelter and fire Oh, and the same goes for driving. The
to be doing any sort of off-roading, but making supplies. more aggressively you drive the more
I'd recommend every car owner put stress you put on your car, which will
together one of these (you may need to Not directly related to keeping your car wear it out faster.
take a normal car off the asphalt to running when the SHTF, but a good
avoid an accident or road closure). practice to follow. Slow it down to make your car last.

In short, it's everything you need to get KNOW HOW TO DRIVE There's no question that a car is a
your car back on the road. In mine is a DEFENSIVELY valuable piece of equipment in a crisis,
set of tow ropes and shackles. I've also and by following these steps you can go
attached a winch to the front grill guard If you've never done a defensive a long way towards keeping your car
of my car, which means I'll be able to driving course, I can highly recommend running for as long as possible.
pull my car out of whatever trouble I it. Under the guidance of instructors,
get in. Of course, a spare tire and a jack you'll learn what to do in order to get Are you doing everything you can to
is vital, and I've even got a little 12V air yourself out of common situations on ensure your car will continue to run
compressor that I can use to keep my the road, like losing control after hitting once the SHTF?
tires up in a pinch. an oil or ice slick, and how to properly
look ahead for hazards.

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VIP SURVIVAL ACADEMY - MARCH 2019

DON'T GET CAUGHT

OFF-GUARD IN A CRISIS

If any crisis in recent history has shown Don't worry about embarrassing the If something looks out of place, pay
us anything, it's that the world is not a people you're with or that you may be attention, and plan of what you'll do in
safe place. There are people out there overreacting. Most people have a good case things escalate. By thinking about
with bad intentions, just waiting for the inner sense of danger, but few actually this before it happens, you'll gain vital
opportunity to strike. listen to it. The trick is to learn to listen seconds should chaos erupt around
to it, and act when something feels off. you.The faster you can react, the better
Only you can guarantee your safety, and your chances of survival.
it's your job to be prepared. Otherwise YOUR SCHEDULE SHOULDN’T
you risk getting caught off-guard by the BE A ROUTINE YOU’RE ALWAYS ARMED AND
wrong people, and a bad situation READY
immediately takes a turn for the worst. When your life is totally predictable,
you are painting a target on your back. Whenever you step outside, it's
Over the years I've spent countless Of course, it can be difficult to not be important you've got a means to defend
hours on self-defense training, martial at your desk during office hours, or yourself. Hopefully it's a concealed
arts and thousands of rounds sent attend certain classes each week, but carry firearm alongside the training and
down the shooting range. And as my the trick here is to vary your routine. means to use it, but at a bare minimum
girls get older there's a few lessons I've Use different routes to get to school, you should know basic self-defensive
passed down to them that I'd like to don't shop in the same grocery store fighting moves, and be carrying a can
share with all of you. Some of this is every week, and be a little more of pepper spray. If you notice anyone
basic, but bear with me, it's important. spontaneous in your life. That way if around you acting suspicious, don't be
anyone is watching, they won't be able afraid to get yourself ready, like putting
YOUR CONFIDENCE BECOMES to predict your every move, and it’s a your hand on your gun that's in your
A SHIELD little harder to catch you unawares. handbag, just in case. The faster you're
able to brandish your weapon, the
Ask any criminal, and you'll quickly YOUR NOSE SHOULDN’T BE IN quicker you can fight off your attacker
learn there are a few key things they OTHER PEOPLE’S BUSINESS
look for when choosing a mark. They YOU’RE PRACTICING GOOD
seek to find victims, people who are I'm a big proponent for sticking up for SURVIVAL TECHNIQUES
vulnerable or appear weak, as they the little guy, but it has got me into
make for an easy target, and a quick trouble on more than one occasion. The final step is to be defensive in your
score. Your job is to be the opposite of Twice I've ended up in a hospital bed. life. Lock your car doors once you get
this. Walk with your head held high, and If you're in a bad situation, the biggest in to stop the chances someone else
use your confidence as a shield, no piece of advice I can give you is to keep jumps in, install security lights so you've
matter what you're feeling inside. Just your mouth shut and not get involved. got a well-lit path to your door, and
remember, confidence doesn't mean People are unpredictable, and if you're never leave your back door or windows
ignorance. Get your eyes off your stepping in and aggravating a situation unlocked on your home.
phone and your headphones out. Pay further, you'll be the one in their sights.
attention to your surroundings or you Unless you can end the situation then Most bad guys are opportunistic, and if
risk being caught off guard even if and there, it's better to keep your nose you make it difficult for them to get
you're walking with confidence. out of other people's business. one over on you, they will move on to
an easier target.
YOUR GUT DESERVES TO BE YOU SHOULD KNOW WHAT’S
LISTENED TO GOING ON AROUND YOU In a crisis it's important you're able to
not only defend yourself, but you're
Have you ever had the feeling a certain Otherwise known as situational actively practicing the techniques you
situation was just wrong? It's important awareness, this is a technique developed can use to stay a little more aware, and a
to never second-guess yourself when it from what is essentially "active" little more prepared. Because the only
comes to your instincts, and if you're looking. Whenever you enter a room, person you can truly trust with your
getting a bad vibe from a particular look around and make note of the back is yourself, and if you're not
place or a person, get out of there as people inside, the mood within, and any looking out for yourself, who will?
fast as you can. escape routes.

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VIP SURVIVAL ACADEMY - MARCH 2019

DEFEND WITH ARMORED

FISTS

Also known as a brass knuckle, the

knuckle duster is a solid piece of metal
you slip over your fingers, like a series
of metal rings, to amplify your
punching power in a fight. It's
incredibly effective, allowing you to hit
with more strength and a heavier swing
than you could using your fists alone.
When I'm running in the early hours of
the morning, I like to wear these as they
add a nice bit of weight to my hands as
I run, and give me an advantage should
I need to defend myself. Plus, it would
look a little strange going for a run
while carrying a baseball bat…

DEFEND WITH A STRIKE PEN

Building on a device known as a

kubotan, the strikepen follows a similar
concept. It's a hefty and solid self-
defense tool, small enough to fit in your
purse or your pocket. And to the
untrained eye looks just like a bulky
pen. It even works the same as a
NON-LETHAL WEAPONS TO FIGHT BACK normal ball-point pen. Until you need
to defend yourself that is. Gripping the
strikepen in your fist, it becomes like a
I'm a big supporter of being able to DEFEND WITH A STRIKE pick axe, with a hardened tip that does
protect yourself no matter what. You LIGHT an immense amount of damage when
never know what a bad guy is you swing it, especially if you're
intending, and without an edge in the My wife keeps one of these in her car targeting sensitive areas like the temple,
fight, it could end very badly. at all times, and for good reason. It's a head or the neck.
combination flashlight and baton,
But I get that many people don't have crafted from an aircraft-grade DEFEND WITH A TASER
the ability to buy a gun (or carry it with aluminum so it's lightweight yet
them at all times). incredibly sturdy. Giving you the ability There's a reason many police officers
to hit hard and fast, before your carry a taser, it's a staple for non-lethal
Perhaps the rules in your state forbid it, attacker knows what's what. The strobe self-defense. Essentially a small
your age, or just your personal beliefs feature is another nice addition, as the electronic device that delivers a high-
and situation mean it's not practical to blinding torch gives you an added edge, powered electric shock to your attacker,
have a firearm. while the wrist strap ensures this it's extremely painful and will drop
weapon remains firmly in your grasp, anyone to the ground, rendering them
So what options do you have? no matter what happens during the helpless as their body succumbs to
fight. It's one of the most versatile painful convulsions and muscle
Luckily there are a whole host of survival items you can carry with you. contractions. You can get both
alternative weapons you can use when a handheld options as well as types
gun isn't the answer to your problems. DEFEND WITH A BASEBALL known as a "stun gun" which shoot two
BAT prongs that deliver the charge. Plus, you
DEFEND WITH PEPPER SPRAY can usually continue pulling the trigger
You've seen the movies, right. As soon to deliver repeated shocks until the
One of my go-to items for self-defense as the star hears a bump in the night he charge runs out.
is pepper spray. If you're wanting an reaches in the closet for his trusty
option to completely blind and baseball bat before going to investigate. Of course, a concealed carry firearm is
disorient an attacker, a short spray in Now while U wouldn't recommend this the most effective means of self-
their face will send their eyes tearing up strategy in a home invasion, a baseball defense, especially if you've got an
and take them out of the fight. bat is a wonderful piece of defensive ankle holster or a means of keeping
gear. It not only extends your reach, but your firearm within easy reach in any
It's probably one of the most effective it's a weapon designed specifically for situation. But if you've not got the
options on this list, as you can strike at hitting, and that's what it does best. I've luxury of having a gun with you, or
a distance (most pepper spray canisters got a small duffel of baseball gear prefer a non-lethal means of fighting
give you a range of at least a few feet, tucked under the back seat of my car, back, these alternative options for self-
some much more), and it's very so I'm always ready to toss a ball defense are your best bet. Arm yourself
effective. Take down your opponent around with my kids, or grab the bat if right, and you'll always have the edge in
before getting a chance to escape. someone is intending us harm. a fight.

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VIP SURVIVAL ACADEMY - MARCH 2019

You'll be surprised at how many

explanations exist once you start asking
DO YOU HAVE why. And the more you know about
how everything around you actually
WHAT IT TAKES works, the better off you will be once
TO SURVIVE? you need to fix it (or hack an
improvisation).

For me, my dad was my best teacher,

When you start to learn a little about and his approach to always tackle
survival, you'll be surprised at just how whatever problem arose around our
many real-life situations where people home provided the base knowledge I
were able to survive with nothing. You needed when I started my own
see, there's one overarching theme to homestead. And if you ever get stuck,
every tale of survival, and it's not the there's a wealth of information Take the time out of your schedule to
fancy backpack or your swish new available in books, or on sites like commit to an exercise program, and get
hiking boots. It's your will to survive. YouTube, at the click of your fingers. your fitness levels up. I started with
Use every opportunity as one to learn. short walks around the block, slowly
The ability to push everything else working my way up to longer and
aside, and draw from an untapped U S E E V E RY C H A N C E TO longer hikes carrying more and more
reservoir of will to not give up when SHARPEN YOUR SKILLS gear. Because the one piece of gear
challenge after challenge presents. you'll always have with you is your
There's a reason professional athletes body. You need to get in shape.
But in my experience, I believe you can spend so much time on the practice
develop this willpower. You see, being court, because it really does help hone These days, I'm completely confident
able to survive a hardship requires a their skills and sharpen their abilities. my legs could carry me, and my bug out
particular set of traits, that we group The same approach applies for survival. kit, straight out of dodge, and I know
together as "willpower" but when Without practice, you've only got I'd make it the 50-odd miles to my bug
separated, give a number of different theoretical knowledge, which may not out location. Would yours?
areas to become a better survivalist. help you in a real crisis.
USE YOUR ATTITUDE
If you want to increase your survival If you're planning to build your own
chances, here's what you need to do. shelter, or start a fire with a flint and Underpinning the other qualities is the
steel, you better make sure you know importance of a healthy mind. The
USE EVERY OPPORTUNITY TO how to do it, before the SHTF. Because stresses you will face during a real
LEARN SOMETHING NEW good survival skills aren’t something disaster scenario are immense.
you can learn from the computer
If you've got kids you've probably screen alone. You need more than a You need to be able to control your
experienced the "why" stage at one basic understanding of what to do, you fears, wind down your emotions, and
point or another. Kids have this need real-world application, that you have strategies you can tap into to bring
boundless enthusiasm for learning, that can only get through doing it yourself. your stress levels down. Being able to
has them questioning everything find your center when all of the world
around them. My advice, is to adopt a For anyone who has started a fire with around you is descending into chaos
similar approach. Question "why" a bow drill, you know exactly what I will help you keep a level head, so you
particular things work, and invest the mean. Solid principles of survival from avoid making the wrong decisions when
time it takes to figure out the inner the books are often much harder to it may matter most.
workings. implement in real life. My family
spends at least one weekend a month in I've never been a big fan of meditation,
the woods, hiking and camping to but there's many other things I like to
remote spots as we actually love the do to bring about a little calm. An
outdoors, but it also gives us the ability afternoon fishing in a quiet pond,
to prepare for a bug out. We practice attacking the unrelenting stack of
key survival skills like trapping and firewood with my axe, or simply taking
“You need fishing, shelter building, and have a
good understanding of the conditions
a minute out of my day for a few
calming breaths really helps.
to be able we'll face, at all times of the year,
should we need to bug out. That's the Developing the will to survive isn't
kind of practice that ensures you won't something that's unachievable by any
to cotrol have any surprises when the SHTF. means, and you can help strengthen
your own resolve by focusing on these
your USE YOUR TIME TO HONE A
HEALTHY BODY
four elements. Take the time to develop
a broad base of knowledge on many
fears…” I've talked about this in a number of
subjects, get out there and practice your
skills, ensure you're not neglecting the
other posts, but if you're not living a health of your body, and ensure you've
healthy lifestyle now, you can bet your got a positive attitude, no matter what.
body isn't going to hold up when it
really counts. That's how you'll survive.

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VIP SURVIVAL ACADEMY - MARCH 2019

STOP A SNOWFALL RUINING YOUR ROOF

Living on a homestead is a lifestyle And 20 people die. Over winter I took the time to measure
choice I'll never regret making, but each out the different weights of different
year when the snow starts to fall I It's something you may not have kinds of snow, so I've got a good gauge
always get a brief feeling of dread. thought much about, I certainly hadn't, on what "20 pounds" actually means. I
but it was a sobering wake up call. simply climbed up on the roof at
There's a beauty to the winter different parts of the winter, and
wonderland, but behind the stunning Over the last summer I did a little shoveled out a square foot of snow and
pictures is a sharp and deadly cold. And digging as I wanted to understand just ice. Then weighed it. Based on the
the isolation that winter brings to us is a how much weight my roof could take. results, here's what I learnt.
challenge.
It was far less than I thought.
But not just from snow-blocked roads
to the storms which continually knock Today, I want to share with you the
out power. What I'm most concerned
with is the snow and ice building up on
dangers of letting snow build up on
your roof, and how you can safely
“Do you
my roof. remove it.
know how
Last winter, a smaller hunting cabin of JUST HOW MUCH SNOW IS
mine gave way, and the roof collapsed. TOO MUCH FOR MY ROOF? much the
If I'd been inside, it would have been
disastrous, as one of the beams
supporting the ceiling landed smack in
There's a few different calculations you
can use, but as a good rule of thumb…
snow on
the middle of my bed. Right where I
would have been. If your roof is in good condition (not your roof
damaged or decaying in any way) it
In the U.S. there's an average of 3,000
roof collapses each year from heavy
should support about 20 pounds of
snow on every square foot of your
weighs…?”
snow buildups on people’s roofs. roof.

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VIP SURVIVAL ACADEMY - MARCH 2019

SIMPLE TEST FOR FINDING THE WEIGHT OF SNOW

If you're looking up at your roof and thinking it's starting to feel a little dodgy, there's a quick and easy
test you can do to determine just how much the snow on your roof weighs.
• Get a garbage bag, a ladder and a small shovel
• Climb the ladder so you've access to your roof
• Mark out 1 square foot on the snow
• Shovel all of this snow and ice into your garbage bag
• Continue until you've removed all snow down to your roof tiles
• This includes any ice or denser packed snow
• Once you're done, climb down and weigh the bag
• It's the easiest way to accurately measure the weight of snow on your roof

FRESH SNOWFALL • Any sagging in your ceiling, in the Make sure you're a safe distance away
ceiling boards or the support beams to avoid getting caught in the sliding
Because it's so light and fluffy, it's the snow, or having it knock you from the
least dense of all the different types. • Any strange creaking, popping or ladder and taking a big fall.
cracking noises from the roof
I measured three snowfalls, and found Oh, and as you don't want the rake to
that 1 foot of fresh snow weighs about • Any difficulties in opening and damage your roof, I'd recommend
5 to 6 pounds. So, you don't need to closing doors or windows properly leaving the last inch or two of snow on
start freaking out even if a storm drops there as a buffer.
3 or 4 feet of snow overnight. Your • Any cracks or splits developing in
roof will still be around the 20 pounds your walls or masonry And of course, always use plastic tools
of weight mark, and all should be fine. to reduce the chances you do any
• Any leaks coming from your roof damage at all.
OLD SNOW
All of these indicate something is Once winter is over you're almost out
Once the snow has settled and has been definitely wrong, and your best option of the woods, make sure to check all of
sitting on your roof a while, it is to remove the snow. your roof, gutters and drains for any
compacts. Which makes it a lot denser, debris that may hinder the water
so it weighs a lot more. 1 foot of old TIPS FOR REMOVING SNOW draining as the snow melts.
snow that's been on my roof a couple FROM YOUR ROOF
of weeks (and has flattened out) weighs I also like to climb up in my attic to
about 20 pounds. If you've had a few This is definitely a two-person job, so ensure there's no leaks in and around
big snowfalls, it'll quickly overload what make sure you've got someone with you my chimney and the vents, so I can
your roof can handle. to help hold and steady the ladder, and plan my attack should any repairs need
pass you the tools as you need them. to be made when the weather improves,
Remember this. Just because your roof and to prevent things getting too bad
doesn't look like it has a lot of snow on It's dangerous to do this alone. while I still can.
there, doesn't mean it hasn't been
slowly adding up, soon becoming too You could always opt for a plastic snow Smart homesteaders know the dangers
much for your roof to handle. rake with an extension arm if you were of snow building up on their roof, and
worried about a fall from your ladder, they're active in both checking the
SIGNS YOUR ROOF IS ABOUT and then it's just a matter of weight and removing the snow to
TO GIVE OUT methodically scraping layer after layer ensure their homes and safety of their
of snow from your roof. families aren't at risk.
Anything above 20 pounds of snow per
square foot is dangerous, and once your Just be careful, as the roof snow can Do you know how much the snow on
roof is in the danger zone, you may (and will) start to slide at any moment, your roof weighs?
notice a few other things in addition to causing a mini avalanche that will take
the level of snow that's building on top. you with it if you’re not careful.

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VIP SURVIVAL ACADEMY - MARCH 2019

SMART HOMESTEADING TIPS FOR APARTMENT-DWELLERS

I've been a fan of homesteading for a Not enough food to keep me going for CREATE A RAIN-CATCHMENT
long time, it's a dream I've had since I months, but it taught me the basics of DEVICE
was a kid. Yet it was only a few years gardening which I still use to this day.
ago I was able to finally make a down- I got this idea after a burst pipe in the
payment on the perfect property. Oh, and if you've got hooks and can street left me without water for a few
setup hanging baskets, berries grow days, and the bottles of water I had
I spent the first 35 years of my life great on a balcony. saved ran out too fast.
l i v i n g i n s m a l l e r h o m e s, a n d
apartments, but that didn't stop my CREATE YOUR OWN On my balcony I built two special
homesteading dream. Because you COMPOSTER benches on either end, which I
don't need acres of land to be a normally used as seats and a space to
successful homesteader. In fact, there's Under my sink was where I created put my plants.
many different ways you can be more another little homesteading
self-sufficient while living in an contraption. But under each bench were two 7-
apartment. gallon plastic containers, which became
My composter. my "rainwater" tank.
Today, I'm going to share with you a
number of tips for homesteading in an Using three five-gallon buckets that
apartment, that I used to do in my tiny stack together, drill holes in two of the
one-bedroom home. There is nothing buckets and stack one in the third (the
holding you back from a more self-
sufficient lifestyle, if you choose to be
one with no holes so nothing can leak).
“nothing
more independent. Add in a bunch of shredded newspaper

CREATE A GARDEN BALCONY

and give it a quick spray of water, add
your food scraps and a bunch of
holding you
Heck, you don't even need a balcony.
worms, then seal it with a lid. back from a
Toss in your vegetable and food scraps
Many plants will grow indoors, on a as you go, and after a couple of weeks more self-
sunny windowsill. You just need to stack the third bucket in, and put the lid
invest in a few pots that also have the
water catcher in the bottom, and a
on this. The worms will make their way
up into the next level, and after a few
sufficient
handful of seeds. On my balcony I
grew beans, tomatoes, peppers and
more weeks you can harvest the
compost from the initial bucket. Then lifestyle…”
chili, and had lemongrass, spring onions simply rotate and repeat. Done right it
and a massive bunch of basil growing won't smell, and you'll have all the
by the window in my kitchen. fertilizer you need for your garden.

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VIP SURVIVAL ACADEMY - MARCH 2019

cont. CREATE YOUR OWN POWER CREATE UNIQUE STORAGE

SOLUTIONS
With a small funnel positioned to catch Alternative energy is a movement I
the water that was funneled down from fully believe in, but there are options The biggest downfall with apartment
the roof (our downpipes weren't all even if you've not got your own land. living is a distinct lack of space, so you
that great), these containers would fill Of course, you may not be able to set need to get smart with the furniture
after every rain, giving me a renewable up a solar array on the roof of a you choose, and your plans for storing
source of water. building you don't own, but I was able it all. One of my priorities was a bed
to attach a small wind turbine to my raised high enough to slide my storage
It's not much, but it was all I had space balcony and take advantage of the tubs in underneath.
for, and it saved me a few months later strong wind's we'd get on the 23rd
when the water went out again. floor. This provided more than enough It was a little higher than I'd prefer, but
power to charge my battery banks it allowed me a massive amount of gear
CREATE YOUR OWN which I'd use to run my LED lamps and food to be tucked away and out of
CLEANING PRODUCTS and recharge all of my devices. Plus, it sight. You'll need to utilize spaces like
was almost always available, which is the backs of wardrobes, dead space
To me, homesteading is about being as more than I can say for relying on the inside cupboards, and make purchases
self-sufficient as possible, while also city's grid for power. with a dual use. My coffee table was a
being frugal. Using recipes, I found chest, that not only looked cool, but I
online, I taught myself how to make a CREATE A STOCKPILE OF was able to pack a bunch of gear in.
variety of different cleaning products PRESERVED FOOD
for my home, using natural items like Just because you're not living in your
baking soda, vinegar, borax and lemons. Now I didn't have the space to grow dream home, doesn't give you an excuse
much in my apartment, but that didn't to be ill prepared.
To this day I still use these same stop me from buying fresh produce en-
cleaning products, and they are just as masse at my local farmer's market, There are many things you can do to
effective as the harsh options that are especially when produce came in season become a better homesteader while
packed with god-only-knows different and was ridiculously cheap. I made living in an apartment, giving you the
chemicals. Making your own products everything from jams to salsa, and skills and ingenuity, you will need once
like this is key to being a homesteader, despite not having a whole lot of space, you eventually move to a bigger place.
but it doesn't need to just be cleaning. I was able to pack quite a lot of canned
food into my kitchen cupboards, and Because when you finally get the
You can make soaps, candles, and even tucked under my bed along with the chance to buy it, you deserve to be
your own clothing if you're so inclined. other supplies in my stockpile. ready.

14