Post by Ausprep on Jan 17, 2014 21:36:54 GMT 10
Source: survivalsherpa.wordpress.com/2014/01/12/trading-theory-for-action/
But they said it ought to work…”
Ever been exhausted, terrified, paralyzed, and barely alive by assuming what ‘they’ said was true.
Maybe not yet. But a sure way to experience the above statement is to trust armchair theorists on equipment, skills, and knowledge!
Dangerous theories float down the preparedness river like a redneck flotilla on the 4th of July. Trusting theory without verifying will capsize your rubber inner tube faster than Bubba can drain a 12 oz. can of PBR. Preppers read theory and buy stuff, boatloads of shiny stuff and the latest must-know survival strategy.
Knowing and doing are two different animals.
We know we need water to live. A loud wake up call blared in West Virginia when a chemical spill contaminated the area water supply. Storing emergency water is smart and recommended.
Here’s the thing though…
Stored water runs out.
Learn how to produce potable H2O. Water distillation systems are popular among third world countries for creating clean drinking water.
“They said it ought to work…” – Distillation works. But…
Distilling water only removes chemicals with a higher boiling point than water. Contaminants with a lower boiling point end up in your ‘distilled’ batch. Chlorine, insecticides, and pesticides vaporize at lower temperatures than water and wind up in your ‘distilled’ container also.
I’ve read that distilling water removes radiation. Chime in if you know. I’ve not done enough research to make that call. Here are some options in this article.
trading-theory-for-action
Build redundancy in your water plan. We have three 55 gallon food grade barrels full of rain water that can be filtered in our Big Berkey. If your budget won’t allow a factory made, solid carbon water filter? Build your own…
Make your own at a fraction of the cost; stainless steel or plastic buckets versions
Make your own activated charcoal for water filtration
Build your knowledge base. Knowing enough stuff to talk intelligently at a dinner party is fine. But what you’re preparing for falls short of a dinner party atmosphere.
DRG and I attended our first meet up with a group of like-minded preppers yesterday. One lesson stuck in my mind. The more I know about preparedness, the more I realize how much I don’t know … and need to learn. And practice!
You must start Doing the Stuff to test theories and develop real skills. I know the science behind making a friction fire. To date, primitive fire has eluded me. Even on my bow drill on training wheels!
trading-theory-for-action
The completed kit after the first trial. Notice the black punk at the base of the hole.
That’s the main reason we started the Doing the Stuff Network. Members trade theory for action by committing to learn a minimum of one new skill this year. Of course, most won’t settle for just one new skill. Doing the Stuff becomes a lifestyle.
We act, analyze, and adjust. Don’t assume you know how to do the stuff! You’re familiar with the saying, “When you assume, you make an ASS out of U and ME.” In good times, this applied to me more than I want to admit.
When you’re in the furnace, the crucible of life, you need to know what works and how to come out alive. But some of you want more than just survival? Doing the Stuff can help you thrive – even if your world as you know it doesn’t end.
Preparedness is not accidental. Make the choice to live deliberately. Acquire skills. Start Doing. Trade theory for action!
But they said it ought to work…”
Ever been exhausted, terrified, paralyzed, and barely alive by assuming what ‘they’ said was true.
Maybe not yet. But a sure way to experience the above statement is to trust armchair theorists on equipment, skills, and knowledge!
Dangerous theories float down the preparedness river like a redneck flotilla on the 4th of July. Trusting theory without verifying will capsize your rubber inner tube faster than Bubba can drain a 12 oz. can of PBR. Preppers read theory and buy stuff, boatloads of shiny stuff and the latest must-know survival strategy.
Knowing and doing are two different animals.
We know we need water to live. A loud wake up call blared in West Virginia when a chemical spill contaminated the area water supply. Storing emergency water is smart and recommended.
Here’s the thing though…
Stored water runs out.
Learn how to produce potable H2O. Water distillation systems are popular among third world countries for creating clean drinking water.
“They said it ought to work…” – Distillation works. But…
Distilling water only removes chemicals with a higher boiling point than water. Contaminants with a lower boiling point end up in your ‘distilled’ batch. Chlorine, insecticides, and pesticides vaporize at lower temperatures than water and wind up in your ‘distilled’ container also.
I’ve read that distilling water removes radiation. Chime in if you know. I’ve not done enough research to make that call. Here are some options in this article.
trading-theory-for-action
Build redundancy in your water plan. We have three 55 gallon food grade barrels full of rain water that can be filtered in our Big Berkey. If your budget won’t allow a factory made, solid carbon water filter? Build your own…
Make your own at a fraction of the cost; stainless steel or plastic buckets versions
Make your own activated charcoal for water filtration
Build your knowledge base. Knowing enough stuff to talk intelligently at a dinner party is fine. But what you’re preparing for falls short of a dinner party atmosphere.
DRG and I attended our first meet up with a group of like-minded preppers yesterday. One lesson stuck in my mind. The more I know about preparedness, the more I realize how much I don’t know … and need to learn. And practice!
You must start Doing the Stuff to test theories and develop real skills. I know the science behind making a friction fire. To date, primitive fire has eluded me. Even on my bow drill on training wheels!
trading-theory-for-action
The completed kit after the first trial. Notice the black punk at the base of the hole.
That’s the main reason we started the Doing the Stuff Network. Members trade theory for action by committing to learn a minimum of one new skill this year. Of course, most won’t settle for just one new skill. Doing the Stuff becomes a lifestyle.
We act, analyze, and adjust. Don’t assume you know how to do the stuff! You’re familiar with the saying, “When you assume, you make an ASS out of U and ME.” In good times, this applied to me more than I want to admit.
When you’re in the furnace, the crucible of life, you need to know what works and how to come out alive. But some of you want more than just survival? Doing the Stuff can help you thrive – even if your world as you know it doesn’t end.
Preparedness is not accidental. Make the choice to live deliberately. Acquire skills. Start Doing. Trade theory for action!
