COAST has announced that it will be debuting two new lights at the upcoming Outdoor Retailer show next month in Salt Lake City. Both lights offer USB recharging, making it simple to top up the batteries from any wall charger, computer, or portable battery pack. We're big fans of USB-rechargeable gear, since it eliminates the need to carry around several types of spare batteries, lightens your pack, and even helps the environment by reducing electronic waste.
The first of these two new lights from COAST is the HP8R rechargeable flashlight. The HP8R produces 760 lumens of white light, which can be focused between a wide flood beam and a “bulls-eye” spot beam using the COAST Pure Beam Focusing Optic. This optic can be adjusted with one hand, and locks in place via the Beam Lock system.
The HP8R can be recharged via USB with the included lithium-ion pack, by plugging an included cable into the Pro-Tek charging port hidden by the sliding tail cap. Alternatively, the light can use 4 AAA alkaline batteries as a backup option. High, medium, and low brightness modes are available.
Here are the rest of the COAST HP8R rechargeable flashlight's specs:
Light output (high) – 760 lumens
Light output (low) – 61 lumens
Beam distance – 698 ft
Maximum run time – 26 hours
Length – 6.125 in
Weight – 7.2 oz
Battery type – lithium-ion (included) or 4 AAA
MSRP – $125
For hands-free applications, such as nighttime hikes, camping, or working in dark conditions, COAST will also offer the FL75R headlamp. This small LED light produces up to 530 lumens, and also incorporates COAST's Pure Beam Focusing Optic for adjustable light dispersal. The FL75R offers dual red LEDs that allow the user to read maps and move discreetly at night without blinding others or impeding night vision.
The FL75R includes both a rechargeable lithium-ion battery pack, and a set of three standard AAA alkalines. The rechargeable battery can be charged inside the headlamp or outside it, permitting users to leave the lithium pack in the charger and continue using the light with AAA batteries. Here are the rest of this new headlamp's specs:
Light output (high) – 530 lumens
Light output (low) – 65 lumens
Beam distance – 512 feet
Maximum run time – 23 hours
MSRP – $110 (not yet available, coming soon)
For more information on COAST lighting products, visit COASTPortland.com. Or, stay tuned here on OFFGRIDweb.com for live coverage of other new releases at the Outdoor Retailer show in August.
To survivalists, fire has the potential to be both a blessing and a curse. On one hand, a single precious ember can be painstakingly nursed into a campfire in the wilderness. This sort of fire can stave off hypothermia, and also provide the means to cook food, purify water, and deter predators. We've said time and time again how making fire in a survival scenario is one of the most important skills humans possess.
At the same time, fire has the potential for destruction on an immense scale. Wildfires reduce scenic landscapes to barren ash, vehicle fires can turn a car or truck into a blazing inferno in seconds, and structure fires kill thousands of Americans each year. The same spark that sustains life can just as easily end it.
411: Fire Facts
If you pick up a copy of Issue 15 of our printed magazine, which goes on sale August 12th, you'll be able to read more statistics about fire in our 411 column. There, John Schwartze shares the number of total fire-related deaths per year, and compares them to the other most common causes of death—heart disease, cancer, chronic lower respiratory diseases, and accidents. Additionally, he lists the top three most common causes of residential fires.
Due to the format of our one-page 411 column, we didn't have room to go into detail about these causes of fires. But, don't worry—we'll be doing so right here and now. We'll outline each of the top ten common causes of residential fires, and discuss fire prevention methods that apply to each of the ten.
Residential Fire Statistics
Residential fires, deaths, injuries, and dollar loss over time. Source: usfa.fema.gov
While you may think that your home won't be affected by a structure fire, the statistics paint a different picture. The U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) estimates that 379,500 residential buildings were affected by fire in 2014. This led to…
2,765 deaths
12,075 injuries
$6.9 billion in damage
So, it's quite clear that fire poses a serious threat to both your property and your safety. Statistically, it may not be as high of a health risk as heart disease or even vehicle accidents, but it's still something every home preparedness plan should address. Otherwise, all your carefully organized survival gear and stockpiled resources could go up in smoke.
The danger of residential fires is obvious, but in order to prevent them, it's crucial to understand why residential fires happen. Therefore, we need to study the leading causes of building fires. Here are ten of the most common causes of home structure fires, according to the USFA:
As you can see (and as we mention in our 411 column in Issue 15) cooking, heating, and electrical malfunctions are the three most common causes of residential fires. However, there are many other dangers to be aware of, including open flames, appliances, smoking, and even arson. For the sake of simplicity, we included a few remaining causes in the “other” category—unintentional, careless, other heat, equipment malfunction (excluding electronics and appliances), cause under investigation, and other equipment.
In the following segments, we'll discuss each of these ten noteworthy causes of residential fires, and offer some tips on how to prevent each one from damaging your home.
Cooking
According to the USFA, this category includes “confined cooking fires, stoves, ovens, fixed and portable warming units, deep fat fryers, and open grills”.
Cooking-related fires are by far the most common type, resulting in half of all residential fires. These fires often start when items are left in the stove, oven, or toaster unattended, and can accelerate rapidly due to oil and other flammable materials nearby. Here are some tips from the American Red Cross on how to avoid kitchen fires:
Never leave cooking food unattended, even for a second. If you need to leave the room, turn off the heat.
Set a timer, in order to remember to check on your food regularly throughout the cooking process.
Clean cooking surfaces thoroughly on a regular basis, to prevent the accumulation of flammable grease.
Keep any flammable items far away from heat sources. Don't leave items on top of the toaster oven, or hang anything above the stove.
Always double-check that all kitchen appliances are turned off before going to bed or leaving home.
Heating
According to the USFA, this category includes “confined chimney or flue fire, fire confined to fuel burner/boiler malfunction, central heating, fixed and portable local heating units, fireplaces and chimneys, furnaces, boilers, and water heaters”.
Unsurprisingly, fireplaces, heaters, and furnaces are near the top of the list of residential fire sources. According to the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA), half of home heating equipment fires occur during the coldest months—December, January, and February. The NFPA recommends keeping a three-foot safe zone around any heating devices, and not placing any flammable items within this area. Also, fireplaces should be cleaned and inspected by professionals every year, and should be fitted with sturdy screens to block embers from drifting into the room.
Electrical Malfunction
According to the USFA, this category includes “electrical distribution, wiring, transformers, meter boxes, power switching gear, outlets, cords, plugs, surge protectors, electric fences, lighting fixtures, and electrical arcing”.
Here's a PSA video from the NFPA that shows what not to do:
Inspect extension cords and cables, and avoid running them across doorways or under rugs. If there's any doubt about your home's wiring integrity, call an electrician for a full home inspection. Be especially careful around the following appliances, as they are the leading causes of residential fires:
Electrical distribution or lighting equipment (responsible for 48% of electrical fires)
Washers and dryers
Fans
Portable space heaters (see heater category above)
Open Flame
According to the USFA, this category includes “torches, candles, matches, lighters, open fire, ember, ash, rekindled fire, and backfire from internal combustion engine”.
Candles account for a large portion of this category, with over half of candle fires occurring due to combustible material being left too close to the flame. So, be sure to keep candles far away from anything that can burn, and always blow them out before leaving or falling asleep. Carefully extinguish matches or leftover embers with water if necessary, and have a fire extinguisher on hand.
Appliances
According to the USFA, this category includes all major home appliances, from TVs and clothes dryers to electric blankets and phonographs (yes, USFA actually lists these).
Most home appliances produce heat, and poorly maintained or positioned appliances can easily act as a source of ignition. Check your dryer lint trap frequently, because a thick layer of lint in a hot environment is a recipe for disaster. Turn off and/or unplug appliances that generate large amounts of heat, such as heating blankets and hair dryers, before leaving them unattended.
Intentional / Arson
According to the USFA, this category is applicable when the “cause of ignition is intentional or fire is deliberately set”.
The NFPA states that three of every four intentional fires are started outdoors. These fires may grow into wildfires and affect homes (see exposure category below). However, most property loss and casualties result from fires set inside buildings. The statistics show that most arson or intentional structure fires happen…
In the bedroom at home
In the bathroom at public properties (apartment complexes, stores, offices, or schools)
Between 3pm and midnight
Defending your home against hostile arson may prove difficult, but smoke alarms and security cameras can assist with this task. Also, have fire extinguishers on hand and properly maintained. For more information about intentional fires in homes, read the NFPA Intentional Fires Report.
Smoking
According to the USFA, this category includes “cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and heat from undetermined smoking materials”.
Smoking-related fires declined 30% between 2003 and 2011, likely as a result of new “fire safe” cigarette materials. However, they are still prevalent, especially among adults over the age of 65. NFPA recommends smoking only outside, using a sturdy ashtray on a non-flammable surface, and dousing the ashes with water or sand after smoking. Be extra cautious if you're around individuals who are sleepy or have been drinking alcohol, as they may forget to fully extinguish smoking materials.
Exposure
According to the USFA, this category includes residential fires “caused by heat spreading from another hostile fire”. For example, a home that burned down as a result of a wildfire in the surrounding area would be included in this category.
This is the single most difficult category of residential fire to avoid, as it's often entirely out of the control of the homeowner. If an entire neighborhood is engulfed in flames, there is little that can be done to save a residence. Nevertheless, be extra vigilant about keeping dry and flammable materials to a minimum on your property. Cut down dry grass, remove loose wood and debris, and be sure your roofing material is fire-resistant. Old wood shingles should be replaced, as they may catch fire easily.
As always, keep many fire extinguishers and water sources around your home to prevent small outdoor fires from growing.
Natural
This category designation seems vague at first, but the USFA defines it clearly. The category includes fires “caused by the sun’s heat, spontaneous ignition, chemicals, lightning, static discharge, high winds, storms, high water including floods, earthquakes, volcanic action, and animals”.
Natural fires can occur through innocuous sources like sunlight or static electricity. Spontaneous combustion of chemical products, oily rags, trash, or abandoned materials is also a major risk. To prevent this, store all flammable materials safely:
Agricultural products, like fertilizer, should remain dry and well-ventilated. Check temperature regularly.
Rags soaked in oil should be thoroughly dried and stored in a covered fire-safe metal can.
If you have an older vehicle or are transporting flammable materials, consider parking outside your garage or on the street.
Playing with Heat Source
According to the USFA, this category includes “all fires caused by individuals playing with any materials contained in the categories above as well as fires where the factors contributing to ignition include playing with heat source. Children playing with fire are included in this category.”
As the saying goes, if you play with fire, you're going to get burned.
Playing with fire is a major problem among children and teenagers, and generally occurs due to unsupervised use of lighters, matches, or fireworks. Most of these fires occur during the month of July, and during the hours of 2pm to 8pm. Older male children are statistically most likely to start these fires, although 43% were started by kids under the age of 6.
The solution to this problem is somewhat obvious. Any child who enters your home should be educated about fire safety, and always supervised while handling fire sources. Remove and secure matches, lighters, torches, and other sources of temptation. As for adults, take care handling fireworks and other fire sources—and whatever you do, don't be like this guy:
Conclusions
If most of these tips seemed like common sense, that's because they should be. While home fires can and do occur unpredictably, it's very possible to improve your odds by following basic fire safety procedures. Of course, you'll also want fire extinguishers, fire alarms, and carbon monoxide detectors on hand and properly serviced. A family bug-out plan is also key, in case fire prevention measures fail. By adhering to all these suggestions, you'll be prepared in case you ever find yourself in the line of fire.
Home gardening is an excellent tool for emergency preparation, since it provides a sustainable and nutrient-rich food source. It also saves you money in the long run, and makes you less reliant on mass-produced vegetables and fruits from the grocery store. It's obvious that starting a small garden is advisable in many cases—but this is also easier said than done.
There are many potential roadblocks along the way to cultivating a successful yield of veggies. You'll need to know what to grow given your environmental conditions, where to plant each variety of produce, how to maintain the plants, and when the ideal growing seasons are. For a beginner, this can seem like a steep learning curve. Fortunately, there are many excellent home gardening resources available online.
The following infographic comes from Anglianhome.co.uk. It illustrates types of vegetables to consider planting, garden spacing, sunlight, pot size, pests, and growing season, among other variables. Scroll down to check it out, or click here for a printable version.
Today, houses are built quite differently than they were centuries ago. If you wanted to have a custom home built today, you'd likely end up hiring an architect to draw up some blueprints, and then paying a number of contractors to complete the build. It takes time and money, but not a lot of direct hands-on involvement from the homeowner.
In the past, the opposite was true—home-building was extremely hands-on, and often incorporated family and friends rather than hired contractors. Think of the concept of a community barn-raising, and you'll start to get the idea. You didn't need architects to build a log cabin on the American frontier, you simply needed a game plan, some extra muscle, and plenty of determination.
A group known as the Open Building Institute has begun a Kickstarter campaign to return to this community-oriented and affordable home-building approach. At the core of this plan is an open-source library of housing module designs, from foundations and walls to doors and roof panels.
This open-source system would allow any ordinary individual to use CAD software to plan the layout of a dream home, then build or purchase the components, and assemble the home themselves. Alternatively, the Open Building Institute hopes to train and license professional contractors on these systems, so they could help home-builders with more difficult parts of the process.
It's an interesting concept, and one that founder Dr. Marcin Jakubowski—a Princeton graduate with a Ph.D in fusion physics—feels is ideal for living off-grid. In fact, he tells us it was one of the primary goals of the Open Building Institute. He and his wife started the project to “make off-grid eco-housing widely accessible”. As a result, the building modules include designs for solar panel arrays, mini solar greenhouses, and even an hydroponic gardening system. These items could make it possible to build a small sustainable home in a remote area, without reliance on the electrical grid or grocery stores.
Paracord is an amazing material, especially if you're using the real mil-spec 550 variety. It acts as strong, lightweight, and extremely versatile cordage for survival situations. As a result, it's one of the key elements to a bug-out kit, whether it's found in your backpack or around your wrist.
If you've ever tried tying complex knots or weaving with this material, you may encounter a common problem: running out of loose strand to work with. Traditionally, this can be avoided by melting the end of a new piece of paracord, and fusing it to the existing piece through heat. It might seem relatively strong, but it looks sloppy, and requires delicate burning to accomplish correctly.
A melted paracord bond. Even if you're skilled at this technique, it's going to look a little messy.
Fortunately, there's a better way to join paracord, and it doesn't even need a flame. It was developed by a guy named Manuel Zambrano, and it's known as the Manny Method. The Manny Method pulls each piece of paracord through the other's outer sheath, resulting in a strong and smooth bond. The exterior sheath of mil-spec 550 cord is rated to hold 305 pounds, so theoretically this bond should hold close to that much weight.
The Manny Method looks neater, and can still be burned together if you're looking for even more strength. Source:...
The only downside to this method is that it will require a needle or other long sharp metal object to pull through the paracord. So, you'll probably want to do this at home, before you're stuck out in the field without a proper needle. Here's a video that shows how it works:
In the survival world, we sometimes have a tendency to reinvent the wheel. Rather than focusing on learning the tried-and-true survival methods used by primitive survivalists for centuries, we rely on technology to solve our problems. There's nothing wrong with this per se, since technology has a substantial potential to make our lives easier. Rather than rubbing sticks together, we can now spark a fire with a lighter in seconds. However, it's also reassuring to see much of the survival community focusing on getting back to basics.
A colorized electron microscope image showing green E. coli bacteria trapped on the surface of sapwood. Source: MIT News
One interesting development in this vein came from an unexpected place: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). This prestigious school has nurtured some of the finest scientific minds of our generation, including numerous Nobel Prize winners. A study performed by a team of MIT researchers has established that the plant xylem found in sapwood can serve as an effective survival water filter, blocking more than 99 percent of E. coli bacteria.
Illustrations from the MIT study. Source: journals.plos.org
If you're not too familiar with plant physiology, the implications of this discovery may be unclear at first. In simple terms, this means that the core of a sap-producing tree branch or twig can be used to filter water and prevent illness. Here's how it works:
Find a pine tree, and cut off a small branch.
Peel away the bark and discard it, so only the inner xylem remains.
Plug or cork a water container with this tree branch water filter, and seal to prevent leaks.
Invert and/or pressurize the container, forcing clean water through the wood, and filtering out bacteria.
A diagram showing the construction of a tree bark water filter. Source: journals.plos.org
According to the study, this simple system can produce up to four liters of clean water per day. The scientists used a plastic tube and hose clamp, then applied 5 psi of pressure to the water vessel to increase flow rate. We imagine this could also be done with a plastic water bottle, some duct tape, and a squeezing motion—just be sure no dirty water seeps around the edges of the wood.
Purpose-built water filters from companies like LifeStraw and Sawyer are great to have in a survival setting, but if you don't have access to these modern conveniences, remember this simple tree branch water filter method.
A large-scale military coup is currently underway in Turkey, evidently in an attempt to overthrow the controversial administration of Islamic president Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Amateur videos show tanks and soldiers flooding the streets of Ankara and Istanbul, with audible gunfire and helicopters in the background. There have also been reports of bombs detonating at the Turkish parliament building and at Ataturk airport.
Below: In May, fistfights began in Turkish parliament after heated debate over the possible criminal investigation of certain politicians. The tensions have only worsened since then.
Mainstream media sources within the country attempted to cover the military coup at first, but military members allegedly took control of several of these outlets. In one case, a CNN Turk live broadcast was halted on air, as soldiers stormed the room and took broadcasters hostage. As a result, official reports are sporadic and inconsistent at the present time. CNN stated that there is currently “little independent confirmation on anything coming out of Turkey”.
Below: Turkish protesters gather in the streets, as military members fire weapons into the air and attempt to disperse the crowd.
According to the Turkish Press Office, president Erdogan told the media, “the ring leader who plotted all of this will pay the price in front of the nation.” Erdogan has declared members of the coup as terrorists, and laid the blame on followers of political rival Fethullah Gulen, who resides in a remote compound in Pennsylvania. However, Gulen has denied any involvement in the military coup. Erdogan also says that law enforcement has started arresting military officers of various ranks.
Update: The Turkish Prime Minister has told CNN that the the coup has failed, that “the government is in full control”, and that “rogue military aircraft have been shot down”. Other sources say it's still unclear who has control.
For more updates on the military coup in Turkey, check the CNN Live Feed. Alternatively, you can refer to the Reddit live feed for instant updates (note: some of these updates may be inaccurate or may contain graphic content, as they are user-submitted).
Modern MREs, or meals ready to eat, are typically well-liked by survivalists. These compact military food rations are self-contained, long-lasting, and calorie dense, making them an excellent source of food for civilian bug-out bags. An average MRE today contains a veritable cornucopia of munchies: an entree, side dish, dessert, cracker and spread, beverage mix, candy, flameless heater, utensils and seasonings.
At the same time, many of us poke fun at MREs due to their less-than-gourmet taste and tendency to cause gastrointestinal distress (“meals ready to excrete“). However, we shouldn't forget how good we have it these days. Back in the 1950s, MREs were nowhere near as sophisticated as they are now. In fact, back then, a military ration wasn't called an MRE—it was known simply as a food packet.
Back in 1952, rations included not one but TWO types of cigarettes.
If you need some evidence to prove how far military food rations have come, we have just the thing. In the YouTube video below, host Steve1989 unboxes an extremely valuable mint-condition food packet from 1952. Unboxing this time capsule in a tin shows all the contents, and Steve then proceeds to taste-test some 64-year-old cookies—don't try that part at home.
Here's a recap of the contents:
Date cookie bars
“Cocoanut” cookie bars
Apple cookie bars
Sweet chocolate bars
Jelly bar
Chicks candy-coated chewing gum
Phillip Morris cigarettes
Camel cigarettes
Matches
Bouillon powder packets
Coffee and tea packets
Sugar cubes
Waterproof plastic bag
8-page survival manual
We'll admit we cringed a little seeing Steve consume crumbling, ancient ration bars. Still, it's pretty interesting to put our modern MREs into historical perspective. We'd take modern beef stew in a plastic pouch over chalky food bars any day of the week. Even if smokers miss the free cigarettes, it's hard to deny that survival food has clearly come a long way in the last six decades.
If this sort of thing interests you, Steve has dozens of other vintage military ration videos to watch. Check them out here.
Rainy weather can be a real drag—but only if you let it. On one hand, if you're in a cotton t-shirt, jeans, and flip-flops, you're going to be drenched and uncomfortable. On the other hand, with the right level of preparedness, gear, and mindset, being outside in the rain can actually be a fun experience. You just need to think ahead and make a point to be ready.
Dave Collins of CleverHiker.com posted a video on YouTube titled, “Learn to Love Backpacking in the Rain”. This 9-minute video is packed with helpful tips about staying warm and dry. However, Dave also recognizes that there are some cases where it's OK to get a little wet. For example, wearing thick rain pants and heavy waterproof boots can slow you down and trap sweat against your skin.
One point in this video that we'd take issue with is the suggestion to wear damp wool socks for multiple days. If possible, you should always dry out your socks, or at least ensure your feet can air-dry thoroughly overnight. Keeping your feet in a constantly damp environment can lead to pruning, blistering, cracking, or even trench foot (which can develop in as few as 13 hours).
The most important point that Dave makes in this video is to keep a positive mental attitude. This decision can make the difference between being miserable and actually enjoying your time outdoors—regardless of what Mother Nature has in store.
In a survival or bug-out situation, you won't have access to a nice cushy king-size mattress and a roof over your head, unless you're lucky enough to bug out in an RV. Realistically, you probably won't even have access to a tent, since they can be too heavy or bulky for most bug-out bags. So, it's fairly likely you'll end up sleeping under the stars—not that there's anything wrong with that.
Few of us have access to this sort of bug-out setup.
When you're sleeping outside, it may be difficult to get a good night's rest, especially if you're unprepared for the challenges this poses. Fortunately, Therm-a-Rest has composed this useful infographic that shows 12 tips for sleeping outdoors. Some are more obvious than others, but if you combine all of them, you should be able to get some proper shut-eye and awake feeling refreshed.
Tiring yourself out shouldn't be a problem, unless you're really doing something wrong. However, we like the tips about regulating your temperature by wearing a hat, sleeping in a light base layer of clothes, and giving your sleeping bag time to expand after unrolling. Choosing a flat campsite also makes a substantial difference.
If you're looking for a lightweight alternative to lugging around a tent or sleeping on the ground, check out our previous articles on hammock camping. A hammock is fast to set up, only weighs a few pounds, and can be stuffed into your bug-out bag with relative ease. Of course, hammock camping brings its own difficulties, too—read more about how to sleep well in a hammock here.
