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Water: the elixir of life and apprentice of death

  Water, water everywhere and not a drop to drink' (Samuel Taylor Coleridge, 'The Rime of the Ancient Mariner') As a child, I played in the forest behind my home. In that forest flowed a small creek. I would play for hours, building up a strong thirst.    Being young and foolish, I would drink from the steam, not realizing the peril in which I placed myself.    I had no idea what drained into that body of water or what dead animal may lay rotting upstream. I had no concept of bacteria and viruses.    I was lucky beyond belief I never became ill from such foolishness.   All life, as we know it, requires water. We, as humans, desire cool, clear water for consumption.    But just because it looks clean and tastes good, does not mean it’s safe for drinking.   Water is for more than consumption.    It waters the plants and livestock we require for survival. It can also provide power if manipulated correctly.  ...
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Obtaining Shelter

Since the beginning of time, humankind has sought shelter from tumultuous nature, ravenous animals, heat and cold, and fellow man.     Shelter provides protection from physical, as well as emotional perils.     Sleeping wrapped up in a warm comfortable bed provides a feeling of safety, satisfaction, and solace that is unsurpassable.     Most Americans today live in enough comfort to sleep safely at night.     But there are many in this world that would rip you from your nest and spill you out into the streets. Those who are currently homeless have one advantage over those comforted by a home: they know how to find shelter.     What shall you do if and when this world tears down the walls of your home and exposes you to the dangers of reality? How do you protect your family, friends, or your self?     Do you have a plan? Do you know what to look for in shelter?   As stated previously, there are three types of shelter: hasty...
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Acquiring Basic Needs/Preparing

Many of us are concerned about a SHTF (shit hit the fan) situation. Most believe this would be due to an economic crash, EMP (electromagnetic pulse), or deadly virus (just to list a few examples). The truth is, losing a source of income, major fire, or some other personal tragedy can be an individual’s SHTF situation. Being prepared for the personal or national disasters is intelligent and prudent.     Homeowners insurance is a form of property insurance that covers losses and damages to an individual's house and assets in the home. The policy usually covers interior damage, exterior damage, loss or damage of personal assets, and injury that arises while on the property.    Automobile insurance is primarily used to provide financial protection against physical damage or bodily injury resulting from traffic collisions and against liability that could also arise from incidents in a vehicle.    Healthcare insurance is a type of insurance that covers the whole ...
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Basic Human Needs

You can survive three minutes without breathable air (unconsciousness), or in icy water. You can survive three hours in a harsh environment (extreme heat or cold). You can survive three days without drinkable water. You can survive three weeks without food. These are approximations, but legitimate.   Abraham Maslow was an American psychologist who proposed the Maslow hierarchy of needs in 1943. These included, at the basic (physiological) level: shelter, water, food, warmth, rest, and health.  Shelter is meant to provide an individual protection from the elements and danger. The elements include the weather, such as heat, cold, direct sunlight, lightning, high winds, and snow/rain. The elements can also include insects and other vectors (insects that transmit diseases person to person).    Shelters are meant to shield individuals from dangers such as wild animals and mankind.   There are three types of shelters: hasty, semi-permanent, and permanent.  ...
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