Don’t forget your pets while creating an emergency preparedness plan! For many people, pets are like family; therefore, they shouldn’t be overlooked in your plan. Yet, according to the ASPCA, roughly 6.5 million pets arrive at animal shelters nationwide. While not all of these are a result of emergencies, remember to plan ahead, so your pet doesn’t end up in a shelter as a result of a dire situation.

Pets require different supplies and equipment, including a first aid kit, food, leashes, carriers, and more. Be on the lookout for anything used daily and add it to your pet’s Bug Out Bag. Your pets rely on you for safety every day – they are an integral part of your life, so make sure you give them the best care possible during disasters.

Identification
Make sure your pet has a tag and collar, as this is the most surefire way of identification. Add your contact details so you can be notified if the animal is found. Pets often lose their collars, leashes, and tags, so another option is microchipping your pet. This is a full-proof method to identify your pet and return them to its proper owner. Make sure the registration is under your name, and keep it updated at all times. You can also include at least one emergency contact (relative or friend) in case your contact information is invalid or expires.

Emergency Kit
Just as you would for your family, ensure your pets are covered for emergencies. Some of the items to include in your kit should consist of at least these items, with enough to last a week:

• Food and water
• Medications, vitamins, or supplements
• Vaccination record copies (potentially laminated if possible or electronically – as long as you can access it)
• Photos (for identification)
• Leash or carrier

Evacuation
In case of an emergency evacuation, try your best not to leave pets behind. Evacuating early is best, as pets won’t be as fearful, and you will be able to coax them more easily. Oftentimes emergency shelters do not allow pets, so make sure you have a backup plan or evacuate to an area where they will be welcomed.

Creating your human emergency kit? Check out the vast selection at Wolf Survival Gear today!

Wolf Survival Gear is a hub for all your prepping and survival needs. We are a trusted resource for concerned families, avid hunters, or serious preppers. Make us your one-stop-shop and prepare now, before you’ll need it later. Visit our website or e-mail us today for more information.

Written by the digital marketing staff at Creative Programs & Systems: www.cpsmi.com.

Preppers are serious about being prepared. After all, the root word implies those who are prepping are gearing up for something serious. Whether it be a global catastrophe, pandemic, natural disaster, economic collapse, you name it, preppers are ready for whatever materializes.

Most will readily combat these calamities with help from a Bug Out Bag (BOB), packed to the brim with essential survival items. Rather than using a gigantic BOB that might be chocked full of unnecessary winter gear in the summer, or vice-versa, a more efficient solution would be to re-pack in the spring and fall seasons. Additionally, another option is to have two separate bags ready to go for either summer (hot) or winter (cold) weather.

Some of the hot weather gear you might want to fill your BOB with include:

• Quick-drying clothes
• Hat, visor, turban, or head protection
• Solar charger
• Tent, tarp, hammock, or bivy shelter
• Bug spray
• Wipes
• Food and Drinks
• Water containers
• Sunscreen

Cold weather gear to fill your BOB could include:

• Thick, insulated clothing
• Gloves
• Solar charger
• Sleeping bag
• Food and Drinks
• Thermally-insulated drink/water container
• Headlamp or flashlight
• Wipes
• Hand and feet warmers

Need some gear to fill your BOB? We have what you need. Check out our massive inventory at Wolf Survival Gear today!

Wolf Survival Gear is a hub for all your prepping and survival needs. We are a trusted resource for concerned families, avid hunters, or serious preppers. Make us your one-stop-shop and prepare now, before you’ll need it later. Visit our website or e-mail us today for more information.

Written by the digital marketing staff at Creative Programs & Systems: www.cpsmi.com.

What do people do in the absence of a toilet? During emergencies or while outdoors for camping, survival, or more, without a flushing toilet, it’s important to dispose of excrements appropriately. Diseases such as cholera, dysentery, giardia, typhoid fever, and hepatitis can be transferred through human feces.

So, what are your options? Here are a few emergency toilet solutions:

• Five-gallon bucket: line the bucket with heavy-duty trash bags (there are also liners made specifically for this.) Add kitty litter, sawdust, peat, or dirt to the bottom, attaching a snap-on toilet seat to the top. Sprinkle a cup or two of bleach, diluted with water in a 1:10 solution, to kill bacteria.

• ChemiSan: a product specifically designed to turn human waste into compost. This revolutionary powder is easy to apply, effective, and safe. 

• ‘Go Anywhere’ toilet kits: this biodegradable solution safely disposes of liquid and human waste. The gel solution breaks down human waste effortlessly.

• Waterless Freestanding Emergency Toilet: this option is safe, sanitary, and does not use chemicals, water, gas, or electricity. Due to its size, this option will require prior planning or be added to an emergency preparedness kit or bag.

• Dirt: use a heavy-duty shovel to dig a small hole (deep enough to completely cover the excrements) and then bury appropriately.

In addition to the solutions above, make sure you check your list for all the little essentials like toilet paper, hand sanitizer, wipes, etc.

Do you need other emergency supplies? Shop Wolf Survival Gear’s wide selection today!

Wolf Survival Gear is a hub for all your prepping and survival needs. We are a trusted resource for concerned families, avid hunters, or serious preppers. Make us your one-stop-shop and prepare now, before you’ll need it later. Visit our website or e-mail us today for more information.

Written by the digital marketing staff at Creative Programs & Systems: www.cpsmi.com.

Convincing your loved ones to start planning for emergencies might be challenging for some. Whether it’s extended family, friends, a spouse, or children, everyone has their own opinion and might not be so open to hearing your perspective. In case of an emergency, everyone must be up-to-speed and ready to execute a plan of action. To help streamline that process, we’ve come up with some tips to get the conversation started:

Talking with your spouse

• Ask for an open communication pathway where you can freely express your concerns.
• Share examples of disasters in recent history, making them relatable and personal to you.
• Liken prepping to insurance; protecting yourself against a potential future disaster is smart.
• Mention personal emergencies such as job loss, income reduction, or illness, which could affect your day-to-day life.
• Try not to bring up worst-case scenarios in this initial conversation, as they might be too serious to begin with.

Talking with your children

• Remember their age – try not to over complicate or cause unnecessary stress.
• Keep it simple by focusing on experiences they can relate to.
• Ask what they would do if a disaster hit while they were attending school; just as the school initiates “fire drills,” your family must also have “emergency plans.”
• Involve them and ask for feedback.
• Help develop their situational awareness when you leave the house by pointing out exits in stores, and asking them how they would respond if they were in an emergency.

Talking with friends and extended family

• Gift them tools that could help them prepare for an emergency, such as a first aid kit.
• Suggest a book or movie that introduces the concept of preparedness for disaster.
• Discuss recent news without going overboard or sounding irrational.

Keep in mind this is not a concrete way to get the people you love to believe what you do; some people might never agree with your opinion. All you can do is gently suggest – don’t force – ideas and let them intellectually process themselves.

Do you need some gear for your survival stash? Check out our vast selection of quality items at Wolf Survival Gear. You won’t be disappointed!

Wolf Survival Gear is a hub for all your prepping and survival needs. We are a trusted resource for concerned families, avid hunters, or serious preppers. Make us your one-stop-shop and prepare now, before you’ll need it later. Visit our website or e-mail us today for more information.

Written by the digital marketing staff at Creative Programs & Systems: www.cpsmi.com.

Are you familiar with a BOB? Do you have a GHB? How about an EDC? There are plenty of acronyms for emergency kits, but do you know what they stand for? Why do you need them, and when? The main answer is purpose…once you understand how they are all used, you’ll be ready to stock up on what you need.

EDC: Everyday Carry
This kit comprises everyday items that help you handle inconveniences or unexpected emergencies. These bags are small, portable, and should be created according to your needs. 

BOB: Bug Out Bag
This ubiquitous name for supplies in the prepping world contains supplies to sustain a person who must leave home for a temporary reason, roughly 72 hours. A BOB is typically tailored to an individual, though they sometimes have communal items. This is also commonly referred to as a 72-Hour Kit.

GHB: Get Home Bag
These bags are useful for widespread – but local – disasters where driving or using public transportation is impossible. Consider this bag when you can get home after a short period, like after a few hours or overnight.

GOOD: Get Out of Dodge (Bag)
This is the next level up from a BOB. Sustaining you for a few weeks or months away from home, this bag should be designed to evacuate ahead of a disaster while still planning to return home when it’s safe. You should plan on having amenities such as food, water, and shelter available.

INCH: I’m Never Coming Home Bag
These are useful in situations where you would be forced to leave home and never return. This long-term survival bag would be helpful in a total societal collapse. The contents would be similar to a BOB, but the INCH is full of more items for cooking, clothing options, and shelter supplies.

Vehicle Kit
Fairly self-explanatory, this kit stays in the car and contains items for vehicle repair. Tools for repairs, safety equipment, and extreme weather gear should be included. Also add food, water, and other supplies you might need if you were stranded or before help arrives.

Work Kit
If you were stranded at work, what would you do? Think through a scenario that involves your workplace, and that’s what’s in this bag. Ideally, this bag would stay at work.

Looking for some emergency kits? Check out our stock at Wolf Survival today!

Wolf Survival Gear is a hub for all your prepping and survival needs. We are a trusted resource for concerned families, avid hunters, or serious preppers. Make us your one-stop shop and prepare now, before you’ll need it later. Visit our website or e-mail us today for more information.

Written by the digital marketing staff at Creative Programs & Systems: www.cpsmi.com.

Modern smartphones are technological marvels that encompass various tools and lifesaving functionality into a pocket-sized object. Through the years, smartphones have enabled people to place phone calls to emergency services during crises. This lifesaving functionality is available to anyone who holds a cell phone throughout much of the developed world.

Smartphones in North America are serviced by cellular network providers. These companies use cell phone towers to provide service to their clientele. The cell towers interact with smartphones when calls are placed. Network providers do not have to own the tower; they sometimes rent services from tower owners. This ensures cell phones are recognized and have permission to interact with a network through different towers.

Each tower between placed cell phone calls is utilized to transmit a signal between one cell phone to another. Whether it’s a text message or phone call, cell phone transmissions are vital for bringing them to life. As long as the cell phone is recognized by the cell tower and authorized for use, it will have service.

When a cell phone shows “no signal” or zero bars, it is an indication that your network is not connected to a nearby tower. Most people think this is because no towers are near the vicinity; however, it simply means your network is not allowed to transmit to the closest tower.

In normal circumstances, this “no service” situation is typically based on what you pay for. In emergencies, it is imperative to circumvent those factors and access the nearest cell phone tower – regardless of whether your provider has a deal with the tower.

If you find yourself in an emergency with no cell service, don’t panic. All you need to do is press the emergency call button on your phone’s lock screen or dialer interface. If you are presented with a keypad, press 911. On some smartphones, you can just press “call” (after pressing the emergency call button), and you will be connected to emergency services immediately.

You can take comfort knowing that emergency calls will be connected. No matter the network, carrier, or tower owner, your phone will be able to contact emergency services without a signal.

Prepping for an emergency? Make sure you have all the necessary supplies – check out Wolf Survival Gear for everything you need in an emergency.

Wolf Survival Gear is a hub for all your prepping and survival needs. We are a trusted resource for concerned families, avid hunters, or serious preppers. Make us your one-stop-shop and prepare now, before you’ll need it later. Visit our website or e-mail us today for more information.

Written by the digital marketing staff at Creative Programs & Systems: www.cpsmi.com.

Prepping food supplies is an art. Food storage can be an issue in small spaces, but it doesn’t need to be. Food storage is one of the first things people think about when they begin prepping. Having enough emergency food on hand is imperative. Most households do not have enough food to last a week, which is generally okay as long as the homeowner can make a trip to the grocery store. If stores aren’t an option, are you prepared with enough food?

To store food efficiently, maximize your available space to the fullest.

Vegetable drawers/cabinets: Some vegetables store best in cool, dark places. Potatoes, squash, beets, and onions last longer when stored properly. Use empty cabinets or extra space in drawers to store these root vegetables.

Hanging baskets: These are so simple to install – all you need is a screw-in hook, and voila! You have a hanging basket. Baskets are handy for all kinds of food such as bread, bananas, garlic, fruit, and more.

Freezer shelves: Freezers are sometimes over-stuffed and packed to the brim. Try using magazine holders or wire racks (widely available at big-box stores) to stack and store.

Door organizers: Many people look over these handy organizers when it comes to the kitchen. Use them for cans, pasta boxes, etc., and you’ll be amazed how much you can store.

Furniture: Couches, ottomans, under beds, and other hollow furniture are a great place to keep heavier, non-perishable items such as larger freeze-dried packages or cans.

Physical space shouldn’t be a limitation for preppers. Narrow storage areas can be cleverly converted for food supplies.

Want to stock up on your food for emergencies? Shop at Wolf Survival Gear – we have top-quality food that’s perfect for prepping.

Wolf Survival Gear is a hub for all your prepping and survival needs. We are a trusted resource for concerned families, avid hunters, or serious preppers. Make us your one-stop-shop and prepare now, before you’ll need it later. Visit our website or e-mail us today for more information.

Written by the digital marketing staff at Creative Programs & Systems: www.cpsmi.com.

While you are stocking up your prepper pantry, don’t forget about the essential milk and eggs! Although many people skip the hassle of preserving these two easily perishable items, it is possible to keep them for long-term storage. The three different preservation methods are freezing, canning, and dehydrating, which are all great alternatives in storing these delicate dairy items.

Freezing
The least time-consuming method for long-term storage, freezing takes up more space but is more efficient for preparation. It allows you to use different sized containers such as jars, freezer bags, and plastic containers. After thawing, milk and eggs perform similarly to the fresh version. 

Freezing milk: First, check the “sell-by” or expiration date on the carton. If the date is not passed, your milk is safe to freeze. Be cautious when choosing your container as milk expands when frozen, unlike water – so select items that allow expansion. The FDA recommends consuming milk within three months of freezing; however, others claim up to six months is ok. Sniff first and use your best judgment.

Freezing eggs: To freeze, crack and scramble in a bowl first, then pour contents into a Ziplock freezer bag or perhaps use an icetray for quick and easy measuring and thawing. 1 egg cube = 1 egg

Canning
Of these two essential items, milk can only be canned. There are no safety guidelines to can eggs and they ultimately turn green. The best alternative for store-bought eggs is to pickle them. On the other hand, people have been canning milk for generations. There are a lot of opinions on the matter, but it really boils down to – do your research! This process is fairly-labor intensive and there is a risk of bacteria forming if not done currently.

Canning Milk: Canning fresh milk turns into evaporated milk (much like that found in grocery stores.) The milk turns a slight caramel color and will need to be diluted with water (half and half) to bring the taste back to freshness. Store your canned milk in a cool, dark pantry for up to one year. Keep refrigerated once opened and use within a few days.

Pickling Eggs: Using a sterilized jar for storing, hard boil your eggs and transfer them to an ice bath to cool. Then peel and place in your jar. Make your brine, then add to your jar of eggs, ensuring to cover them completely. Tightly cover with a lid and keep in a cool location for up to four months.

Dehydrating
If you are short on space, dehydrating is the way to go. Powdered eggs and milk take up a small amount of space and can be stored easily. While the process to dehydrate eggs can be fickle and difficult to reconstitute the texture of fresh eggs – it’s a great source for baking, nonetheless. Powdered milk has been used in kitchen pantries for years and is also an excellent option for baking.

Dehydrating milk: To reduce the likelihood of bacteria, only use pasteurized milk when dehydrating. This process should not be done by a novice but researched and tested to ensure safe consumption. This preservation method does lose some flavor; therefore, dehydrated milk is best used for cooking and baking. To reconstitute milk, add small amounts of hot water to the powder and stir until you reach desired consistency.  1 cup water and 3 TB powdered milk = 1 cup milk

Dehydrating eggs: The goal when dehydrating eggs is to do so in the best, safest, and most palatable way possible. There is a risk of Salmonella poisoning if you don’t know what you’re doing – so, do your research and invest in a quality dehydrator.  To rehydrate eggs, add a two-to-one water ratio to powdered eggs and let the mixture stand for a few minutes. 1 TB egg powder and 2 TB water = 1 egg

Need some more long-term food essentials?

Check out Wolf Survival Gear’s selection of freeze-dried food to add to your prepping pantry.

Wolf Survival Gear is a hub for all your prepping and survival needs. We are a trusted resource for concerned families, avid hunters, or serious preppers. Make us your one-stop shop and prepare now, before you’ll need it later. Visit our website or e-mail us today for more information.

Written by the digital marketing staff at Creative Programs & Systems: www.cpsmi.com.

While tales of survival have been tossed around as legend through human history, there are some real people who have persevered through extreme conditions using only determination and tenacity. True survival stories are not only inspiring; they can teach us how to push ourselves when the time comes.

Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption – by Laura Hillenbrand
This astonishing book based on a true story became a hit film in 2014, produced by Angelina Jolie. Olympic runner and Army Air Force bomber Louis Zamperini survived for 47 days after his bomber plane crash-landed into the Pacific Ocean in May 1943, during World War II. Zamperini and two crewmates fought off sharks, severe starvation, sun poisoning, and more. Discovered by the Japanese, he became a Prisoner of War (POW) for the remainder of the war. Unbroken is an extraordinary story of survival, determination, and strength.

Between a Rock and a Hard Place – by Aron Ralston
This book also became a biographical survival drama that hit the big screens in 2010, named 127 Hours, starring James Franco. Aron Ralston gave up his mechanical engineer career and moved to Colorado to enjoy the outdoors. During one of his adventures in 2003, he was climbing through Blue John Canyon in Utah’s Canyonlands National Park, and a boulder suddenly came loose. His right arm was crushed and trapped between the boulder and the canyon wall. Since no one knew where he was, Ralston was trapped and alone for 127 hours with limited food and water. Eventually, he had to amputate his arm to save himself. This compelling book is a personal account of his thrilling experience.

Endurance: Shackleton’s Incredible Voyage – by Alfred Lansing
Another Hollywood hit, the movie is a retelling of an expedition to Antarctica based on the book by Alfred Lansing. The Endurance set sail for the South Atlantic in the summer of 1914. Sir Ernest Shackleton and his crew became castaways after The Endurance was crushed and trapped in ice. In five months, the men traversed more than 1,000 miles throughout one of the world’s most inhospitable regions. Through glaciers, mountains, and fighting off the harsh elements, Shackleton’s survivalist voyage was one of the most hazardous and astounding in human history.

Are you ready for your next adventure? Make sure you are prepared and stocked up with the right supplies from Wolf Survival Gear.

Wolf Survival Gear is a hub for all of your prepping and survival needs. We are a trusted resource for concerned families, avid hunters, or serious preppers. Make us your one-stop shop and prepare now, before you’ll need it later. Visit our website or e-mail us today for more information.

Written by the digital marketing staff at Creative Programs & Systems: www.cpsmi.com.

With spring and summer quickly approaching, the campfire-cooking season is almost upon us. Before you get your marshmallows and chocolate bars out, try cooking a chunk of bread or potatoes first.

Here are some great food items you can easily cook over a campfire:

Bread, kebobs, hotdogs, corn-on-the-cob, muffins, fruits, vegetables, potatoes, bacon, and more.

Okay, you know what to cook, but just how do you cook it? Here are some tips.

• Cut, slice, and dice as much as you can at home. Any food preparation that can be done ahead of time should be.
• Make sure you are prepared with the right tools. Remember, this isn’t your standard grill. The open flames might char some foods more than others due to higher fat contents, so be ready with some extra-long tongs and other fireproof cooking materials.
• Ensure your flame doesn’t fizzle out quickly. Build your campfire with enough wood to get the fire roaring and enough extra wood to keep it going once it starts to slow down.
• Choose a safe area to light your flame without overhead wires, trees, branches, roof overhangs, etc.
• Don’t cook on top of open flames. If using a wire or mesh grill on top of the campfire, try to keep your food away from direct flames, which could result in burnt casualties.
• Flip your food periodically, ensuring a nice, even cooking distribution is taking place.
• Avoid pouring olive (or any other type of) oil directly on your food while it’s over the campfire. Fire and oil can cause large sparks or higher flames.
• Make sure you can extinguish your fire when you are done whether it’s with water, sand, dirt, or any other non-flammable material. Never leave a campfire to sizzle out on its own overnight.

For more survival tips, tricks, or to purchase gear, visit our website today.

Wolf Survival Gear is a hub for all of your prepping and survival needs. We are a trusted resource for concerned families, avid hunters, or serious preppers. Make us your one-stop shop and prepare now, before you’ll need it later. Visit our website or e-mail us today for more information. Written by the digital marketing staff at Creative Programs & Systems: www.cpsmi.com