How to Survive the End of the World as We Know It: Tactics, Techniques, and Technologies for Uncertain Times
by James Wesley Rawles
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Book Summary Information
Author: James Wesley RawlesEdition: Paperback
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 2009-09-30
ISBN: 0452295831
Number of pages: 336
Publisher: Plume
Product features:
- ISBN13: 9780452295834
- Condition: New
- Notes: BRAND NEW FROM PUBLISHER! 100% Satisfaction Guarantee. Tracking provided on most orders. Buy with Confidence! Millions of books sold!
Book Reviews of How to Survive the End of the World as We Know It: Tactics, Techniques, and Technologies for Uncertain Times
Book Review: PERHAPS OVERKILL
Summary: 4 Stars
This book is about what you would do if you had $1-$2 million allocated for preparation for doomsday. However, you can get perhaps 50% of the way there for $3,000 and 80% for $50,000.
For $1+ million you have your remote fortress, multiple vehicles, sizable weapons cache with high tech thermal sights, immediate use food, long term food, seeds for doomsday, animals, redundant power (solar and generator) , medical supplies, fuel supply, diesel making equipment, solar power array, communications etc.
It's a book filled with recommendations by someone who has put a lot of effort into the process and the product. It's inevitable that among the thousands of comments there will be some information subject to question.
At some point you might decide to spend the $50K on the program and take the other $950,000 (if you have it) to Vegas, plunk half of it on the concierge desk and them them you want to have a very good time , something that you will treasure if doomsday lasts more than 30 days.
Personally, I think it should be a crime not to have some minimal level of preparation, especially if you have a family. This includes the training you will need to be self sufficient (individually or with neighbors) for 30 days and to be able to leave home on 15 minutes notice with enough to survive for perhaps two weeks.
General Honore talks of his post hurricane experience in Florida where only hours after the hurricane people were in the streets demanding to know when the government would arrive with water and food. People with 200 songs on their Iphone and a BMW in the garage seem to think that minimal preparation is beyond them.
The author repeatedly emphasizes the need for training in basic skills including medical skills and firearms. This is one of the most important areas. I also appreciated that he repeatedly recommends that you be prepared to be a good neighbor to those in need.
There's a lot to like in the book. Things I would have added or changed:
The book needs to recommend or provide an introduction to understanding ohms law to provide a foundation for understanding what's practical to power with solar or a generator.
Before you install a well pump look at the alternatives. It's tempting to put the largest pump we can power off the grid down the well. However, it might be better to put a smaller pump in that can be powered by an auxiliary generator or the solar system's inverter in an emergency. In any event the pump's electrical requirements should be written on the controller box. It's the voltage and starting amps that count i.e. 240V 20A
The simple way to make the system rapidly convertible from the grid to alternate power is to have the pump controller to power connection made with a plug (of the correct voltage/amp)and to label the breaker requirement for the pump.
Much of the energy on a typical shallow well system is used to pressurize the system rather than pump water out of the well. Plan to go to an unpressurized system with a reservoir.
There are also un-powered ram pumps used in developing countries which can take water with a 20 foot head and pump 10% of it up 100 feet. They are noisy. See internet for a description.
Personally a seaworthy boat would make a great combination of escape vehicle and retreat. It needs to be one that will take you to safety with only unskilled crew.
Best of all, I would like to have an airplane that I can fly or have a neighbor who flys. However, depending on the situation aircraft may be grounded and takeoffs prohibited at airports that are policed.
I'm not impressed with electric vehicles as a doomsday alternative. Although he recommends them as the third vehicle, I would rather have a duplicate of something else for parts swapping.
Ethanol containing gasoline has a relatively short life before serious deterioration begins. A fuel stabilizer is essential. I would also look to a vehicle which would run on leaded fuel in an emergency and perhaps invest in a few drums of avgas which is much more stable than autogas. Yes it will kill the cat converter and probably the 02 sensor.
I have spent some time living on a remote cattle ranch in BC without electricity, refrigeration, TV, radio etc. Books are essential food for the brain.
If the evil government is going to come looking for you and your followers my guess is that they will simply do a thermal scan on a cold night.
I'm not much of a fan of building a massive front door unless you are going to put bars on all the windows and build using block. Putting bars on all the windows is likely to put you at a greater risk in the more probable event of a fire.
If you are going to build your retreat then you need an auxiliary building to store some stuff in the event you burn down the main building.
I'm not a gun expert by a long shot, but I would limit the types of guns to a small handgun (.22), large bore handgun, small rifle (same caliber as handgun) , large rifle and shotgun. If more guns were added they would be duplicates for parts and ammunition interchangeability and familiarity. Overall I think there was too much emphasis on weapons.
Based on the same BC experience I would have a conventional long knife for utility purposes. There are lots of situations in the outdoors where a conventional knife is very useful.
While I would not advertise what I had, I think the need for secrecy may be overblown. However, the author has it right when he talks about the need to react immediately. The real tragedy of New Orleans is that by the time the mayor issued the evacuation order it was too late. It was not a surprise in that the emergency plan for New Orleans emphasized that an early evacuation order was the key.
In summary it is an informative and entertaining book. Recommended.
More How to Survive the End of the World as We Know It: Tactics, Techniques, and Technologies for Uncertain Times reviews:
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Summary of How to Survive the End of the World as We Know It: Tactics, Techniques, and Technologies for Uncertain Times
The definitive guide on how to prepare for any crisis--from global financial collapse to a pandemic.It would only take one unthinkable event to disrupt our way of life. If there is a terrorist attack, a global pandemic, or sharp currency devaluation--you may be forced to fend for yourself in ways you've never imagined. Where would you get water? How would you communicate with relatives who live in other states? What would you use for fuel?
Survivalist expert James Wesley, Rawles, author of Patriots and editor of SurvivalBlog.com, shares the essential tools and skills you will need for you family to survive, including:
* Water: Filtration, transport, storage, and treatment options.
* Food Storage: How much to store, pack-it-yourself methods, storage space and rotation, countering vermin.
* Fuel and Home Power: Home heating fuels, fuel storage safety, backup generators.
* Garden, Orchard Trees, and Small Livestock: Gardening basics, non-hybrid seeds, greenhouses; choosing the right livestock.
* Medical Supplies and Training: Building a first aid kit, minor surgery, chronic health issues.
* Communications: Following international news, staying in touch with loved ones.
* Home Security: Your panic room, self-defense training and tools.
* When to Get Outta Dodge: Vehicle selection, kit packing lists, routes and planning.
* Investing and Barter: Tangibles investing, building your barter stockpile. And much more.
How to Survive the End of the World as We Know It is a must-have for every well-prepared family.
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