PDF Summary:Survive and Thrive, by Bill Fulton and Jeanne Chilton Devon

Emergencies and crises can strike without warning. In Survive and Thrive, authors Bill Fulton and Jeanne Chilton Devon provide a comprehensive survival guide for preparing your household in any calamitous situation. You'll learn how to stockpile the essential resources of water and shelf-stable foods. The guide also covers reinforcing your living spaces for security and safety, while ensuring access to backup power, heating, and sanitation.

Beyond the home, the authors discuss fostering community support networks and taking environmentally sustainable approaches to preparedness. With practical tips for increasing situational awareness and protecting yourself and loved ones, this guide offers a roadmap for facing crisis scenarios with resilience.

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• Use hardtack as a base for creative food art projects with kids. Hardtack's durability makes it an excellent canvas for edible art. Get children involved by letting them decorate hardtack with edible paints or toppings. This can be a fun way to introduce them to cooking and the concept of shelf-stable foods.
• Organize a swap meet with friends or community members who also enjoy food preservation. Each participant brings a batch of their homemade preserved goods to exchange. This allows you to sample a variety of preservation methods and flavors, such as someone else's salt pork recipe or a unique fruit sugaring approach, providing inspiration for your own creations.
• Start a preservation journal to track your cooking experiments and outcomes. By documenting your attempts at various preservation methods, you'll be able to note what works, what doesn't, and how you can improve. For example, if you're trying to pickle vegetables, record the brine ratios, types of vegetables, and how long you let them ferment. This will help you refine your technique over time.

Preparing Homes and Living Spaces for Crises

This section will cover ways to make your home more resilient in the face of potential disasters, including how to assess your home's structure and its utilities, how to secure entry points, and how to establish alternative forms of power, light, heat, and sanitation.

Assessing Home Structure and Utilities For Vulnerabilities

This section details how to inspect your home for unseen hazards and how to maintain and strengthen its components—from roof to floor.

Examining and Maintaining Roof, Gutters, Drainage, Windows, Doors

Before an emergency occurs, perform a thorough assessment of your home to identify any safety or security issues that may need to be addressed. The authors identify the most common risk areas as roof, siding, gutters, drainage, window and door seals, plumbing, electrical, heating and cooling, and walls and ceilings.

Other Perspectives

• The recommendation to assess before an emergency occurs assumes that homeowners can predict when an emergency might happen, which is not always possible.
• Overemphasis on potential safety or security issues could lead to unnecessary worry or stress for the homeowner.
• The prioritization of these areas might differ based on the age and design of the home; newer homes might have different risk profiles compared to older structures.

Safely Disabling Utilities in a Crisis

Being able to turn off water, gas, and electricity during an emergency is critical, and something that every household member should know how to do. The authors explain the steps for turning off these utilities and where the shutoff valves will likely be. They also advise the reader to maintain a clearly labeled diagram near each valve and ensure that everyone understands how to proceed.

Practical Tips

• Practice a quarterly home emergency drill where you physically go through the motions of turning off the water, gas, and electricity. This hands-on approach reinforces muscle memory and ensures that in a real emergency, you'll be able to act quickly and confidently.
• Schedule a quarterly "safety walkthrough" in your calendar where you physically check and tag each shutoff valve with a maintenance date. This practice not only familiarizes you with their locations but also helps ensure they remain functional. You might use tags similar to those used for fire extinguisher inspections.
• Use color-coded tags or stickers on electronic devices and their corresponding cables to easily identify which cable belongs to which device. This can prevent confusion and ensure that you're unplugging or turning off the right equipment without having to trace cables back to their source. For instance, a red sticker on your modem and a matching red sticker on the modem's power cable will help you quickly identify the correct cable among many.
• Compile a digital emergency information packet and share it with your family and close friends. Include important documents, medical information, emergency contacts, and personalized instructions for each family member. You could use a secure cloud storage service to ensure that everyone can access it from any device in case of an actual emergency.

Enhancing Home Security and Safety Features

This section will cover ways to strengthen your home's weak points to deter intruders and protect yourself, family, and residence in a crisis.

Installing Window Coverings, Reinforcing Entry Points, Deterring Intruders

You can boost the security of your home's entry points, both inside and out, by using steel shutters for ground-level windows and doors with glass. You can also lower and close shutters to reduce energy use and keep the interior of your home cooler!

Window films or ballistic glass coatings can make your windows resistant to shattering during hail, storms, or break-in attempts. Additionally, they provide insulation for your windows!

Use a good sturdy door stopper to discourage anyone from forcing it open, and the authors suggest installing an interior dead bolt on each outside entry to deter lock picking attempts. They also recommend reinforcing your garage door with a heavy-duty door slide lock or padlock, and using cut-to-fit plywood for all windows if you have the space to store it.

Practical Tips

• Consider planting thorny bushes or installing spiked strips around the perimeter of your ground-level windows and doors. This natural barrier can deter intruders from attempting to breach the steel shutters, as navigating through painful obstacles would be an additional challenge for them.
• Create a DIY external shutter decoration project to enhance the aesthetic appeal of functional shutters. Use weather-resistant paints or materials to decorate your shutters, making them not only functional for energy conservation but also a feature that adds curb appeal to your home.
• Consider starting a neighborhood window upgrade initiative. Gather a group of interested neighbors to discuss the benefits of window films and ballistic glass coatings. By pooling resources and purchasing materials in bulk, you may negotiate discounts with suppliers or service providers, making the upgrades more affordable for everyone involved.
• Combine the door stopper with a high-decibel alarm that activates when the stopper is pushed. Alarms can serve as a deterrent to intruders and also alert you and your neighbors to a potential break-in. Look for standalone alarm units that can attach to the door stopper and trigger a loud sound when the stopper is moved.
• Enhance your door security by adding a door reinforcement kit to strengthen the door frame and hinges, making it more resistant to forced entry. Door reinforcement kits often include metal plates that you install around the doorjamb and hinges, providing an extra layer of security that complements the deadbolt. This is a simple DIY project that typically requires only basic tools like a screwdriver and drill.
• Collaborate with neighbors to establish a neighborhood watch program that includes monitoring each other's garages and properties. By working together, you can increase the overall safety of your community, as multiple sets of eyes can help deter potential intruders and quickly report any suspicious activities.
• Create a multi-use furniture piece, like a storage bench or ottoman, that doubles as a storage space for your cut-to-fit plywood. This approach not only provides a practical storage solution but also adds to your home decor and functionality.

Home Backup: Power, Lighting, Warming, and Sanitation

In an emergency, having backup power is critical. Devon and Fulton detail how to choose and safely operate two different power sources: Generators, which come in three main types (standby, portable, and inverter); and Clean energy, harnessing wind and solar power.

If you plan to use a generator, the authors emphasize that you must ensure that fuel is stored properly in containers approved for that purpose, and that fuel should not be stored in your home or vehicle.

The authors address the dangers of running a generator inside, and how to avoid the resulting carbon monoxide exposure. "Never operate generators indoors," says Fulton. He also explains the important safety measures for using alternative forms of heating, especially those powered by kerosene or liquefied petroleum gas.

This section also discusses numerous options for backup lighting, such as lanterns, flashlights, LED lights, solar-powered lanterns, and candles.

Alternative forms of heat are presented, including fireplaces that burn wood, woodstoves, pellet stoves, kerosene heaters, and space heaters.

Practical Tips

• Develop a habit of maintaining your vehicle's fuel tank at least half full at all times. In an emergency where power is out, gas stations may not be operational, and having a ready-to-go vehicle increases your mobility and options for finding help or reaching a safer location.
• Determine your power needs by conducting an energy audit of your home to decide which type of generator suits you best. Start by listing all the appliances and devices you would need to run during a power outage and calculate their total wattage. This will give you a clear idea of the power output you require from a generator, helping you choose between standby, portable, or inverter models.
• Explore community solar projects if installing panels on your home isn't feasible. Community solar allows multiple people to benefit from a single, shared solar array, which can be installed on a communal property or a dedicated space within the neighborhood. You can subscribe to a share of the solar power produced, which can offset your energy costs and serve as a backup power source when needed.
• Invest in smart sensor technology that detects hazardous fumes or leaks in storage areas. These sensors can be placed where you store your fuel and will alert you via your smartphone if fuel vapors reach a dangerous level. This way, you can take immediate action to ventilate the area or move the fuel to a safer location.
• Create a safety checklist for generator use that includes outdoor setup, proper ventilation, and regular maintenance checks. Before using a generator, go through the checklist to ensure you're following safety protocols, reducing the risk of carbon monoxide buildup.
• Organize a neighborhood safety session with a local fire department representative to discuss best practices for alternative heating sources. This can foster community awareness and safety, and provide an opportunity for you and your neighbors to learn from professionals about preventing accidents and responding to emergencies.
• Develop a routine to test and maintain your alternative lighting sources monthly. Charge solar-powered devices, check batteries in flashlights and LED lights, and ensure you have matches or lighters for candles. This habit ensures your lighting options are always ready to use.
• Research and apply for local incentives or rebates for installing energy-efficient heating systems. Many regions offer financial incentives to encourage the adoption of greener technologies. Look into your local government or energy supplier programs that might subsidize the cost of purchasing and installing a new pellet stove or other efficient heating systems.

Ensuring Physical Protection Through Preparedness

This section covers how to increase your situational awareness and create a safe environment for yourself and your loved ones, including assembling critical supplies and go-bags.

Developing a Comprehensive Plan for Household Emergencies

This section presents plans for safely evacuating your house during and after an emergency.

Identifying Evacuation Routes, Rally Points, and Communication Methods

Fulton emphasizes the importance of situational awareness, which essentially means being aware of your physical self in relation to your environment and other people, "You must know where you are at all times," he says.

Context

• Stress and fatigue can impair situational awareness, making it important to manage these factors to maintain high levels of awareness.
• Understanding your surroundings can enhance personal safety by allowing you to identify potential hazards or threats and take appropriate action to avoid them.

Preparing "Go-Bags" With Essentials for Each Family Member

The authors advise the reader to assemble evacuation bags with supplies that will be needed to safely evacuate the home in an emergency where staying put is no longer a good option. They provide detailed lists for go-bags for grown-ups, children, the elderly, and pets.

Practical Tips

• Partner with a local pharmacy to set up automatic refill alerts for medications in your go-bags. This service could notify you when it's time to replace medicines, ensuring that you always have a fresh supply in case of an emergency. You might arrange for the pharmacy to send you a text or email when it's three months before the expiration date of the medication in your go-bag.
• Conduct a quarterly "go-bag drill" where each family member practices packing their own essentials within a set time limit. This not only reinforces the importance of knowing what to pack but also ensures that everyone is familiar with their items and can efficiently pack them if an actual emergency arises.

Increasing Situational Awareness and Deterring Potential Threats

This section outlines steps to take to protect yourself and your belongings and make yourself less vulnerable.

Passive Security Measures: Lighting, Alarms, Surveillance

The authors explain the importance of having a home security system that has battery backup and recording capabilities, as well as how to strategically place exterior lights to brighten the entirety of your premises' perimeter and deter intruders. Fulton also explains that after a disaster, emergency services will be overwhelmed so you must be as vigilant as you realistically can be.

Other Perspectives

• Battery backup systems require maintenance and eventual replacement, which can be an additional ongoing cost and responsibility for the homeowner.
• Over-illumination can lead to light pollution, which has negative effects on wildlife and can disrupt the natural behaviors of nocturnal animals.
• Some intruders may be skilled in avoiding detection or disabling lights, making reliance on lighting alone insufficient for deterring the most skilled intruders.

Basic Self-Defense and Responsible Use of Protective Equipment

The authors strongly advocate for fleeing a dangerous situation whenever possible: "Don't be a hero; if you can escape, do so." They also detail effective self-defense techniques using the human body, discuss the merits and drawbacks of a knife and stun gun, and outline considerations and precautions for owning a firearm as a last resort defensive measure.

Practical Tips

• Organize a community "Safe Walk" program where volunteers are available to accompany individuals through areas they feel unsafe in. This initiative could be set up through a local community center or social media groups, creating a network of people who can request or offer accompaniment, thereby reducing the need to face potentially dangerous situations alone.
• Develop your reflexes and muscle memory for self-defense by incorporating shadowboxing with imagined scenarios into your daily routine. Set aside 5-10 minutes each day to visualize an attacker and practice striking, blocking, and evasive maneuvers. This can help you react more instinctively in a real-life situation.
• Conduct a cost-benefit analysis of owning a knife versus a stun gun by tracking all associated expenses over six months. Include the initial purchase, maintenance costs, training expenses, and any legal fees for permits or licenses. This exercise will help you understand the long-term financial implications of each option and aid in making an informed decision based on your budget and safety needs.
• Partner with a local gun range to organize non-shooting safety workshops that focus on the theoretical aspects of gun ownership, such as conflict de-escalation, legal considerations, and emergency response planning. These workshops would provide a space for gun owners to discuss and practice safe handling without the pressure of live fire exercises, emphasizing the last-resort nature of firearm use.

Eco-Friendly, Collaborative Methods for Preparing for Emergencies

This section will discuss methods to foster community connections and support networks, as well as incorporating eco-friendly and environmental considerations into emergency preparations.

Fostering Community Connections and Support Networks

This section will cover how to create and maintain a group of nearby people and companions who will act as valuable assets to help you navigate an emergency.

Sharing Resources and Assisting Vulnerable Neighbors

Devon and Fulton explain that the strength of a community relies on social frameworks and a willingness to work together to aid those who require it. The authors present some of the benefits of getting to know the individuals who reside nearby. They explain that it's simple to create a support network that will be less reliant on resources that could become unreliable in an emergency.

Context

• Historically, communities that have thrived during challenging times often had robust social networks that enabled them to share resources and support vulnerable members.
• Interacting with neighbors from diverse backgrounds can lead to cultural exchange and understanding, enriching the community's social fabric.
• Regular interaction and cooperation build trust, which is essential for effective communication and collaboration during emergencies.

Participating in Community Crisis Response Organizations

Volunteering and engaging with your community can make a big difference for others, but as the authors explain, it will also benefit you and your family. Supporting people matters for you as much as it does for them. Devon and Fulton recommend contacting organizations like local emergency groups, faith-based organizations, and the American Red Cross to find out how your unique skills and efforts can help others. The authors also suggest donating blood regularly (especially those with uncommon blood types).

Other Perspectives

• The effectiveness of community engagement can vary greatly depending on the type of activity and the organization's ability to utilize volunteers efficiently.
• Volunteering may not always benefit you or your family if it leads to overcommitment and stress, which can detract from family time and personal well-being.
• Some individuals may not feel comfortable or aligned with the values of certain faith-based organizations, which could deter them from reaching out.
• People may have personal or religious beliefs that prevent them from donating blood, which should be respected.

Incorporating Environmental and Health Considerations Into Preparedness

This final section presents the importance of maintaining mental and physical health in and after crises.

Choosing Sustainable, Environmentally Friendly, and Non-Toxic Materials and Practices

This section discusses ways in which environmental considerations play a part in sustainable lifestyles and getting ready for emergencies: choosing environmentally friendly cleaning products; minimizing waste in packaging and food purchases; reusing and repurposing items; and reducing your household's carbon footprint.

Practical Tips

• Implement a "One-for-One Green Shift" in your cleaning routine: for every conventional cleaning product you finish, replace it with an eco-friendly alternative. This gradual approach eases the transition and allows you to research and find sustainable options that work for you without overwhelming you with too many changes at once.
• Experiment with a 'last-in, first-out' system in your pantry and fridge. Organize your food so that the most recently purchased items are at the back, ensuring you use older items first. This helps prevent food from expiring unnoticed and reduces the amount of food that gets thrown away.
• Use empty jars and containers as organizers for small items around the house. Rather than purchasing new storage solutions, clean out glass jars from the kitchen to hold items like screws, nails, buttons, or craft supplies, keeping your space tidy and repurposing what you already have.
• Implement a "One Less Car" week each month, where you choose alternative transportation methods like biking, walking, public transit, or carpooling. This reduces emissions from personal vehicles and can improve your physical health. Track the reduction in your car usage with a simple app or a diary, noting the miles not driven and estimating the amount of CO2 saved, which can be a motivating factor to continue beyond the initial commitment.