Mainstream media are finally starting to tell the truth about the Fukushima nuclear disaster in Japan, and its potential to cause mass evacuations on the West coast due to radiation reaching across the Pacific. Meanwhile, the Federal Reserve announced it will continue QE3 (aka printing money out of thin air) indefinitely, a policy that will ultimately destroy international confidence in U.S. Treasurys. This will lead to natural market corrections, which entail sharp hikes in interest rates, higher taxes to cover the bill and, ultimately, destruction of the U.S. dollar. There’s not enough space in this article to address all the World War III scenarios that are becoming more likely by the minute.
Whether the “doomsday” results from nuclear disaster, financial collapse, or war, those who are well prepared will have the best chance at survival. Firearms, canned food and waterproof matches are mainstays for so-called “preppers.” But here are three items that should be on everyone’s list.
Rosemary and Cilantro
Rosemary roasted potatoes and cilantro guacamole are tasty dishes everyone should try at some point. Both of them could also save your life.
Researchers at the University of Rajasthan in India found that caffeic acid protects lymphocyte cells (those that fight disease in the human body) from nuclear radiation-induced genetic damage. One of rosemary’s primary compounds is caffeic acid. Studies by Spanish and Argentinian researchers yielded similar results. The good news is that rosemary is very easy to grow. It is a low-maintenance plants that just needs a lot of sun.
Cilantro is also helps cells naturally eliminate radioactivity. Adding it to your diet now can not only detox your system of any radioactivity, but can prevent further contamination.
Calcium Hypochlorite
A few drops of bleach can purify drinking water. The problem with bleach is that it begins to lose its potency in as little as six months. Bleach will ultimately turn into simple salt water in about a year, making it an impractical item to store for emergencies.
Granular calcium hypochlorite has a shelf life of at least 10 years and purifies water just as well as bleach. The Environmental Protection Agency recommends adding two teaspoons of calcium hypochlorite to two gallons of water to create a bleach solution. You then add one part solution to every 100 parts of water to make drinkable water. There are many survivalists who balk about this chemical because it is difficult to store properly and safely. Make certain to follow all necessary protocols carefully.
A Backup Plan
Some people will head for the hills in a SHTF scenario. Others will hunker down in their homes until the coast is clear. But what if roads become impassable, or your home is damaged to the point of being inhabitable? This may seem like common sense, but those who believe they are prepared could find themselves in no-mans-land without a Plan B.
The “hunker-down” folks should definitely stock supplies, set booby traps outside and prepare the home. Map out a rendezvous point for family and loved-ones away from the house just in case. All family members should have a backpack with the bare necessities in it (matches, canteen, warm clothing, knife, etc.). The “head-for-the-hills” folks, likewise, must prepare their current place of residence for long-term survival.
Alexander Graham Bell once said “before anything else, preparation is the key to success.” Follow this advice to maximize your chances of survival.
About the Author: Gerard Barker was born and raised in New Orleans. He writes about the outdoors, hunting and fishing.
This article first appeared on Ed That Matters.
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Todd Sepulveda
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I have read all about making bleach with Calcium Hypochlorite, and it seems like the best solution. However, I bought a 5 lb. plastic jar of it and thought I was set. After about 2 or 3 years, I checked on it only to find that there was a strong bleach smell around it, and the plastic jar was getting melted. I thought that this was dangerous, and disposed of the Calcium Hypochlorite. Now I am left without a long term solution to my watr purification needs. What should I do now ? Thanks.