When I looked up this guide on Amazon.com, I found several other field guides by Tom Brown available there. As it happens, the first sentence of this one is reprinted, and it says that Brown started writing this book after the Mid Atlantic and Northeastern states had experienced a huge snow storm. Sound familiar?

If you live in that part of the U.S., were you one of the last minute shoppers stocking up on groceries this past Friday? How well were you prepared? What would you do differently next time?

            One Amazon reviewer contrasts this book with Cody London’s When All Hell Breaks Loose. Brown’s focus is on survival in the here and now and avoiding emergencies, not quite so much in the aftermath of a major disaster.

What resources are available to you in the city that you may have overlooked or are unaware of? Brown’s book helps you find what’s there for you. This guide will help you get prepared if you live in the city or suburb. It has chapters on shelter, water, heat and light, food, crime, weather, and disasters. Appendices are on edible plants and animals and survival supplies.

            Get your copy of Tom Brown's Guide to City and Suburban Survival by clicking on the image of the book below. That takes you to the Amazon.com page featuring the book. Place your order there. Get ready for the next emergency, whether it’s another big weather event, rising crime in your neighborhood, or another crisis that puts your  urban survival skills to the test.

Get more info on personal security and survival in the city.

            “It’s GovMint.com,” I said putting down my glass of water. “I just found out about them a few days ago. When I saw they sold silver, it occurred to me that some of my readers might be interested in buying some.”

            “Did you run it by Survival Sam?” He turned his head to look out the window facing the parking lot. “By the way, where’d you say he was? It’s been a coon’s age since we’ve had one of our Saturday morning breakfasts, and the star of the show’s late.”

            I took a bite from my cinnamon roll and turned to gaze out the window, too. I didn’t see any sign of Survival Sam’s car, but noticed it was flurrying again. “Sam said his left rear tire was flat when he went out to start the car this morning. He said not to wait on him while he took care of it.”

            “Oh, yeah,” Duane said. “So what did he say about this GovMint thing? You’re not going huxter on us are you?”

            “No, but I had questions about it because it seems to me that a lot of voices out there telling people to get prepared for survival are gold sellers, or are pushing expensive financial investment newsletters. I don’t want to be lumped in with that crowd.”

             “Yeah, I can understand that.” Duane munched his jellied toast. “ Some of those guys are good at what they do, but it’s hard to sort it all out.”

            “Right,” I said. “I don’t want to get into deep economic and political analysis. I figure people who are paying attention at all will see what’s going on in the world and come to DestinySurvival for what they need when they’re ready to take action and get prepared.”

Duane took another bite of eggs. “If I  remember right, you said when you started out that you didn’t want people to read your blog and think you were telling people to buy gold and guns and head for the hills. You wanted to avoid the negative stereotypes people have about survivalists, right? Has something changed?”

            “Fair question. People ought to have money in a crisis, and silver’s negotiable. You can use it when paper money’s not worth much. Down through history we’ve valued metal coins.”

            “So Sam gave you the go ahead?”

            “Yeah. I mean, it’s not like I need his approval for whatever I put on the site. I just wanted a second opinion.”

            “So what else did he say?” asked Duane.

            “Having silver currency is a good idea. It’s as important to have it as it is to have storage food or guns and plenty of ammo for self defense. It’s about being ready for the really hard times, like when everything collapses.”

            “This MintGov.com outfit sells gold, too, don’t they? Aren’t you selling a report about whether or not to buy gold?”

            “Right. It’s called ‘The Gold Question.’ Sam said if people want to buy gold or any of the collectible coins they offer at MintGov.com, that’s their business. If they want to buy coins salvaged from shipwrecks, they can do that, too. MintGov.com has a variety of collectible coins. People can buy whatever they want. All I’m giving them the opportunity to do is buy silver eagles, Morgan silver dollars, Peace silver dollars, or any of the other silver coins available.”

Duane emptied his orange juice and plunked down the glass. “I hear you. It’s like when your wife goes into the grocery store. She may have a shopping list, but the store doesn’t give a rip what’s on it. They put out the goods and have their weekly specials so she can buy whatever she thinks she needs.”

            “That’s it. I want to give my readers that kind of opportunity, and GovMint.com says they’re the one best source for coins worldwide with unique coins, old and new. They’ve been around 20 years and  cater to experienced collectors and first time purchasers. If you’re not happy, they’ve got a 30 day money back guarantee.”

            “Now you sound like a salesman.”

            “Why not? I want people to buy from GoveMint.com and know they can have confidence in doing business with them. If it’s part of their survival and preparedness strategy, all they have to do is click on the MintGov.com logo, check out their site, and buy some silver.”

            “That’s cool.” Duane turned to stare out the main window again. “All right. Let the party begin. That looks like Sam pulling in right now.”

            I was glad to come across a story in “The Denver Post” entitled, “loss of city services: Colorado Springs cuts into services considered basic by many.” Because of severe budget constraints, the city is shutting off a third of their streetlights, selling police helicopters, curbing upkeep of parks and laying off several firemen, to name the most sensational cuts.

Buses won’t be running nights and weekends, and they’re relying on regional authorities to pave streets. Some residents see all of this as attacks on the needs of the working class. A property tax increase was voted down in November.

            Because some community pools and centers are closing, many wonder about day care costs, idle teens, and shut in elderly. Tourism will be negatively affected, too, and we all know what a cash cow that has become for so many places.

            There’s a growing distrust of government officials and how they spend their money at the local level. But Colorado Springs isn’t alone. Denver and Aurora have made cuts, too. This may be happening elsewhere across the country, but hasn’t gotten the attention of the broader media.

            Granted, there’s been plenty of press about how bad off Detroit is. However, Colorado Springs is in a rapidly growing area. I would have thought more people meant more tax payer revenue. Or is this a case of the illegal immigration problem taking its toll?

            I’m reminded of the words of the poet who said the world will end with a whimper, not a bang. Is Colorado Springs the proverbial canary in the coal mine? Are we seeing how our country dies—slowly and painfully? What if we have no apocalyptic catastrophe?

            What about what we’ll face in our everyday lives? If you’re in a neighborhood where street lighting goes out, and there are fewer police, are you braced for higher crime rates? Are you prepared with what you need for self preservation and self defense? Are you prepared to move elsewhere? What changes will you make in your own life to survive when basic services are cut where you live?

Subscribe today to “Natural Health” for one year and get eight issues for only $5.39. That’s reduced from the regular $5.95 rate, which is already 80% off the publisher’s asking price.

            Here’s what Best Deal Magazines says about “Natural Health.”

“Natural Health” is your guide to a healthy lifestyle! Each issue brings you information on naturally-oriented food and nutrition, alternative health practices, exercise and self care. “Natural Health” focuses on the mind/body connection, illustrated exercise, preventative medicine, healthy cuisines and much more. If you are interested in natural foods, crafts, outdoor sports, organic gardening and holistic health “Natural Health” is just for you! Natural Health will help you create a healthy lifestyle in your home and your office.

            I’m a firm believer in good health now for improving your chances for survival in times of crisis. To subscribe to “Natural Health,” click on the Best Deal Magazines logo below. You’ll see it featured as the Deal of the Day. Click on the magazine’s image, and you’ll be taken to the page where you can subscribe.

If you’re viewing this post after February 4, type the name of the magazine in the Best Deal Magazines search box to find it. Your subscription rate will be $5.95, the Best Deal Magazines regular low price.

Subscribe to “Natural Health” today for just $5.39! Consider this magazine as an inexpensive resource for the good of your health. Then take the steps you need toward preparedness and survival.

Myth #10: The Government Will Give Me Food in an Emergency.

            Even the government tells you to have at least a three day supply of food on hand. It may take that long or longer before they get to you, if they come with food at all. It’s best to be self reliant.

Myth #9: I’ll Never Be in a Disaster Where I Need Food Storage.

            Oh? What if it’s not a natural disaster that puts you in a bind? If you’re injured or have lost your job, use stored food and pay bills with what you would have spent on food.

Myth #8: Food Storage Tastes Disgusting.

            Have you tried it lately? It’s much better these days with so many more delicious choices.

Myth #7: Food Storage is a Pain to Rotate.

            Not to worry. The way long term storage food is packaged these days, it can last 30 years.

Myth #6: To Live Off Food Storage I Have to Do Things Like Grind Wheat and Bake My Own Bread.

            Make all the bread you want, or don’t make any at all. Freeze dried food preparation only requires hot water and waiting a few minutes.

Myth #5: Only Fanatics and Doomsdayers Get Food Storage.

            You might be surprised how many “normal” people are being prudent and getting storage food. Didn’t your grandparents or great grandparents have a root cellar full of preserved food?

Myth #4: I Don’t Have Room For Food Storage.

            Everybody has nooks and crannies they could use for at least a couple weeks worth of food. How about under your bed? Get creative.

Myth #3: You’re Better Off Saving Money than Stockpiling Food Storage.

            What if you can’t get to your money in an emergency because banks are closed, power’s out, etc.? If you’d use money in an emergency to buy food, why not spend it for storage food now so you won’t have to buy food in a time of crisis?

Myth #2: I Can Just Use the Food in My Fridge or Cupboards For Food Storage.

            If power’s out for long, there goes whatever’s in your fridge or freezer. Willl you be able to cook what’s in your cupboard without electricity?

Myth #1: Food Storage is Way Too Expensive and I Can’t Afford It.

            Considering how long storage food keeps, your overall cost for a year’s supply may reduce to about $100 a year. Besides, when you prioritize things, do you need a bigger TV set now, or would you be better off with food you can eat in an emergency?

            Check out The Ready Store’s storage food offerings, such as their Ultimate Year’s Supply, then become a storage food myth buster.

            So what’s this about an emergency fund? It’s a cushion you can fall back on when something serious comes up that you wouldn’t otherwise be able to pay for. Maybe the car breaks down, your refrigerator died, or you lost your job. We’re talking about financial emergencies, not a slush fund for things you simply want.

            If you’re like most people, you’re likely to put emergencies on a credit card or borrow it from a high interest financial services place. Believe me, I know what it is to be in that position, and all you do is sink deeper into debt.

            Many financial gurus say to pay down those high interest loans and cards as fast as you can. After all, why get 1-2% on a savings account when you can whack down that card that’s charging 12%, 19% or even 30%? That’s a good idea in theory, but when you’re making payments and the financial emergency hits, what do you do when you have no savings set aside? It’s the debt trap all over again.

            That’s why it’s crucial to have an emergency fund. It’s not for investments, so you don’t want it tied up in a CD or something else you can’t get at. This needs to be liquid, such as a basic savings account, cash, or a combination. You need it when you need it, and you must resist the temptation to “need” it for anything but emergencies.

            How much should you have in your emergency fund? I’ve heard varying amounts. A minimum would be $500. A thousand dollars is better. Some say to have three, six, or even eight months worth of income at your disposal.

            If that last one sounds like too big of a bite, at least start somewhere. Set aside a little money each week or month as you can. Even if you have $150 this month in savings and have to use it for a $300 expense, it’s $150 you didn’t have not that long ago. What would you have done without it being there?

            Replenish your emergency fund before it’s totally depleted. Keep it going or you’ll wind up in the debt trap you’ve been trying to avoid.

            Yes, the credit card interest rates will continue on as usual, and you have to keep paying down your bill. However, if something comes up and you have no emergency fund, you may miss at least one credit card payment, and that can only lead to more trouble.

It’s a balancing act, but do what you can to pay down bills while setting aside funds for an emergency. As with any survival strategy, start small if you can’t do anything else, but do something. You won’t regret it.

The rich ruleth over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender. – Proverbs 22:7, from the Holy Bible, King James Version

Click here for more money saving strategies from Living on a Dime.

            The full title of this paperback reference book is Prescription for Herbal Healing: An Easy-to-Use A-Z Reference to Hundreds of Common Disorders and Their Herbal Remedies. Aren’t you glad you asked?

Reviewers rate this 4.5 out of 5 stars and say it's an easy to use book that doesn't hype anybody's product line.  That's a relief, isn't it? When you want information it helps to get unbiased information you can trust.

            We all likely know someone who’s quite knowledgeable about herbs and herbal remedies. Maybe it was your grandmother or a friend from work or church. Maybe you’re an expert yourself. Either way, you know there’s a growing interest in alternative and natural medicines. How do you sort out the truth from “old wives tales?” Prescription for Herbal Healing can help.

            Here’s the product description from Amazon.com.

“The popularity of herbal medicine has exploded during the past decade, with herbal remedies becoming increasingly available in such conventional outlets as drugstores and even supermarkets. Prescription for Herbal Healing brings to herbal medicine the same in-depth, easy-to-understand information and accessible style that Prescription for Nutritional Healing successfully brought to diet and nutritional supplements.

This book is divided into three parts for easy reference. Part I discusses the basic principles of herbal medicine and outlines the properties and characteristics of some one hundred sixty single herbs and sixty herbal combination formulas. Part II describes more than one hundred fifty common disorders, conveniently arranged in alphabetical order from acne to yeast infection, and names the herbal therapies that can be used in the treatment of those conditions. Part III is a guide to using various kinds of herbal and other alternative therapies. In addition, it includes self-diagnostic tests and boxed insets throughout, which offer detailed information on a wide variety of topics.

Complete coverage of Chinese and Ayurvedic herbs make this volume entirely comprehensive, and thorough scientific references lend it an authority not found in any other herbal book. Prescription for Herbal Healing  is the definitive herbal resource and is a necessity for any health-conscious consumer.”

            Click on the image of this book below, and you’ll be taken to the Amazon.com page where it’s featured. Place your order there for your copy of Prescription for Herbal Healing. Add it to your survival library today.

Click here for info on "Herbs 101." 

Kalyx.com: Herbs, Foods, Supplements, Bath & Body

Nearly 200 years ago the New Madrid quake was so powerful it caused the Mississippi River to flow backwards for a time and was felt hundreds of miles away throughout several states. Think of what a quake of seven or eight magnitude would do with our modern, more densely populated society today.

            As with any potential natural disaster, preparedness can help insure survival. Here’s an article with some earthquake preparedness basics.

Disaster Preparedness - 5 Top Tips For Earthquake Survival

By Wayne Bennett

The recent earthquakes in Haiti remind us that we must be prepared. This impoverished country had little to no preparedness in place. We must take steps to become more self reliant and capable of taking care of our own families in an emergency.

I have been involved professionally in emergency response since 1982. In that time I have responded to thousands of emergencies. Mostly of the daily 9-1-1 nature. Some were of a catastrophic nature, including large earthquakes, wild fires and floods. I have also been training the public in disaster preparedness since 1987. What I have come away with is a pattern of unpreparedness by civilians. This led me to create this list of the top 5 things one should do to prepare in the order of importance.

1. "Real" First Aid Kit- This is number one because injuries don't and can't wait. They must be addressed immediately. You must have a kit that can handle problems even when you do not have immediate access to 9-1-1. A "Real" first aid kit is a kit that is more than a owie or boo, boo kit. More than just band-aids and wipes. What you need is a kit with at least CPR barrier mask, trauma dressings, multiple 4×4 gauze dressings, gauze rolls, paramedic scissors, a real splint (not popsicle sticks), sterile water, burn dressing, etc. This is a kit that can manage serious and minor injuries. The ability to stabilize and sterilize can be lifesaving when outside sources become limited or unavailable.

2. Utility shutoff tool- The ability to control your gas and water meters is extremely important to minimize property damage and risk to life safety. To reduce the risk of fire and explosions immediately following an earthquake is critical. Always check the gas meter dials to determine a leak. As most leaks will be in the walls or attic of the home and you may not smell gas til it is to late. Look for a non-sparking metal tool that will turn off both your gas and water meters.

3. Fire Extinguisher- Since all fires start small, having an extinguisher handy is a great advantage for preserving life and property. Purchase an ABC dry chemical extinguisher. This type will extinguish all three classes of fire (ordinary combustibles, flammable liquids and electrical. Keep a fire extinguisher in the home and car. Periodically check the gauge for pressure.

4. Water storage- Even though you may not need water in the next hour. It will become critical to your families survival in the following hours and days. This not something you can get later. Store enough Water- a minimum of one gallon per person per day for 7-14 days for drinking and hygiene. Store tap water in approved barrels and treat with "Water Preserver" for five-year storage. Keep "Water Purification Tablets" on hand to treat any untreated or questionable water. One tablet will treat one quart of water. Never store water in old bleach bottles, milk type plastic containers (as they are made from breathable plastic) in the garage because any fumes from vehicles, paints, solvents, pesticides will contaminate your supply.

5. Car Survival Kit- Since we take our cars everywhere, place one in each family members car. You will always be prepared. Store 3-day Food Bar, Sterile Water Pouches, Medical, Warmth (thermal blanket) & Lightsticks and flashlight in your kit.

Wayne Bennett is a twenty five year fire captain in southern California. He is also the owner of Survival Skills & Co. a business specializing in Disaster Response training for Schools and Businesses. He has trained over 20,000 persons since 1991 how to save lives in his one day "Disaster Survival Skills" workshops. His company also provides realistic kits and supplies for disaster preparedness. His company provides NIMS training, CPR & First Aid classes. He is a FEMA CERT instructor, American Heart Assoc. Instructor, National Safety Council training center. His training includes Urban Search and Rescue training, Swift water rescue, Ice rescue, High/low angle rope rescue, CSTI earthquake management, etc. Visit his website at

http://www.disastersurvivalskills.com

Article Source:

http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Wayne_Bennett

            The preparedness company with “quake” in their name is QuakeKare, and they’ve got a number of survival kits and accessories for home, car, school and office.

            Check out QuakeKare’s earthquake kit, which is an accessory kit to their home survival kit. It has emergency supplies specifically designed to prepare your home for earthquakes. QuakeKare’s site says, “This custom kit is specially designed to contain the most effective supplies to ‘quake-proof’ your home and protect against damage or injury that may occur during an accident or earthquake.”

            Click on the QuakeKare logo below, then click on Earthquake Kits on the sidebar. When you see the picture of the earthquake kit, click on it for a complete description of the kit’s contents.

            If scientists are correct, both “the big one” in California and the New Madrid quake are overdue. Be as prepared for survival as you can be. 

            To be honest, I’m not familiar with “ReadyMade” magazine, but I think it has possibilities if you’re resourceful and creative. Here’s how it’s described on the Best Deal Magazines site:

“ReadyMade”  is a bi-monthly magazine for people who like to make stuff, who see the flicker of invention in everyday objects. “ReadyMade” is the only do-it-yourself lifestyle magazine designed for adults in their 20's and 30's. In a friendly, quick witted tone, “ReadyMade” will entertain and inform you through DIY projects for fast-evolving lifestyles. If you are smart, upwardly mobile, urban-minded and environmentally conscious “ReadyMade” is the magazine for you.

            What does it have to do with survival and preparedness? If you can get an idea that proves useful, then a subscription to “ReadyMade” will have served its purpose. If you’ve got an eclectic curiosity, take a chance. Pay the special rate of $5.39 for the six issues you’ll get in a year. If you’re like me, you’ve blown more money than that this week on things far less useful and interesting.

So why not subscribe today? Even the regular $5.95 rate is 50% off the publisher’s price. Simply click on the Best Deal Magazines logo here, and you’ll see “ReadyMade” featured on the page as today’s Deal of the Day. Click on the magazine’s image or where it says “More Info” to go to the page where you place your order.

            If you’re seeing this after January 29^th, the “ReadyMade” subscription price is still only $5.95. Type the name of the magazine in the search box on the Best Deal Magazines site, and you’ll go to a page featuring “ReadyMade.”

            While you’re on the site for Best Deal Magazines, you may want to check out magazines on crafts and woodworking. If you’ve got a hobby or skill that could prove useful for a service or home business in tough times, take advantage of Best Deal Magazines’ low prices to get resources for your personal creativity.

Soup can also feed a few or a lot of people. I can't help but remember a radio preacher who ran a camp and school for troubled teens. When he appealed for money, he'd often say they were down to putting extra water in the soup so it would go farther.

            Several years ago my family sold packages of dry soup a company put together for a fund raiser. I don’t remember how well we did, but they had some interesting kinds of soup mix to sell.

            Everybody likes one kind of soup or another. Think of how many fond memories come to mind when you think of soup. Maybe you had a cup of hot tomato soup and a grilled cheese sandwich after being out sledding in winter. Maybe you ate bean and ham soup with cornbread at Grandma and Grandpa’s. Sometimes my mom likes to fix both potato soup and chili when she’s expecting a lot of company.

            If you’d like to try some ready made soup, give the Deluxe Soup Variety Pack from Harmony House Foods a try. It includes one of each of their soup varieties, plus two each of their best sellers–Garden Veggie Chickenish Soup and Great Northern Bean Stew.

            Even better, Harmony House Foods includes their 2 Quart Slow Cooker. What a great idea! All you need is water and you’re ready to have some wonderful soup.

Harmony House Foods suggests this Deluxe Soup Variety Pack (12 Bags /w cooker) would make a great gift for college students, elderly parents, RV-ers, or anyone else you can think of. You don’t have to wait for a special occasion, and such a gift could be a door opener to talk about preparedness and survival.

As it happens, Harmony House Foods is celebrating their anniversary and offerin 20% off their products, so now is a great time to get this Deluxe Soup Variety Pack. To order yours, click on the Harmony House Foods logo. Right now the Deluxe Soup Variety Pack is in the middle of the front page. If you don't see it, type 6010 in the search box in the upper right part of the page, and you'll go right to a page picturing the soup. Click on that if you want more info before ordering.

Naturally, winter's a great time to have soup, but thanks to soup's versatility, why not enjoy it any time? It's one of the greatest ideas for a survival food. Make sure you've got what you need in your survival kitchen for soup to survive.