Prayer Authority

Armageddon Ready?

While our ultimate trust is in the Lord Jesus Christ, biblical wisdom encourages prudence and preparation. "A prudent person sees evil coming and hides; but the simple pass on and suffer the consequences." (Proverbs 22:3 AMP). This section provides resources and ideas for practical preparedness. Remember: Be prepared for the worst, hope and pray for the best. First, take the SQ Test below to gauge your knowledge. Then review the gear categories and the general preparedness checklist.

Survivability Quota (SQ) Test

Assess your preparedness knowledge. Answer the questions sequentially to see your score and identify areas for growth.

Question 1 of 50

1. How long can a person typically survive without water in moderate conditions?

2. What is the most reliable field method to make questionable water safe to drink?

3. Collecting morning dew from non-poisonous plant leaves is a method for obtaining:

4. What visual sign indicates potential dehydration?

5. Why is drinking seawater extremely dangerous?

6. Which survival food procurement method often yields the most calories for the least energy expenditure?

7. The Universal Edibility Test for unknown plants involves:

8. What is a primary risk of relying solely on lean meat (like rabbit) without fat in a long-term survival situation?

9. Which cooking method helps kill parasites often found in wild game or fish?

10. Insects are a viable survival food source primarily because they are high in:

11. In cold weather, the most critical function of a shelter is to protect against:

12. A 'debris hut' provides insulation primarily by:

13. Which fire starting method works even when wet?

14. When starting a fire, the proper sequence of materials is:

15. COTTON clothing is generally considered poor for cold/wet survival situations because it:

16. What does the acronym RICE stand for in treating sprains/strains?

17. Signs of heat exhaustion often include:

18. If someone is bitten by a venomous snake on the arm, you should NOT:

19. How do you treat shock in a conscious victim?

20. What is the main purpose of applying an occlusive dressing (like plastic wrap) to a sucking chest wound?

21. If the sun rises on your right and sets on your left, which direction are you generally facing (in the Northern Hemisphere)?

22. Which part of a compass needle points towards Magnetic North?

23. 'Declination' on a map refers to the difference between:

24. Following a river downstream will generally lead you towards:

25. What does the acronym 'STOP' stand for when lost?

26. A 'full tang' knife means:

27. Which tool is most versatile for processing large amounts of firewood?

28. Duct tape's primary survival value comes from its:

29. 550 Paracord is valued in survival for:

30. A good quality headlamp is often preferred over a handheld flashlight because it:

31. The 'Will to Survive' is often cited as a critical factor. This primarily relates to:

32. Panic in a survival situation often leads to:

33. Maintaining a routine, even a simple one, in a survival situation can help:

34. What is a common psychological challenge in a solo survival situation?

35. Focusing on small, achievable tasks in a survival situation helps to:

36. Three of anything (fires, piles of rocks, whistle blasts) is often recognized as a signal for:

37. A signal mirror works best on:

38. Which color is generally most visible for signaling against a natural background (forest, snow)?

39. A satellite messenger (like Garmin inReach) allows for:

40. Sound travels further:

41. Situational awareness means:

42. In a potential collapse or unrest scenario ('SHTF'), the 'Gray Man' concept refers to:

43. A primary defensive advantage of a well-chosen campsite/bug-out location is:

44. Noise discipline at night in a potentially hostile environment is important because:

45. Establishing simple perimeter alarms (e.g., tripwires with cans) primarily serves to:

46. Knot tying is a fundamental skill. Which knot is commonly used for creating a fixed loop at the end of a rope?

47. Understanding basic weather patterns can help you anticipate:

48. Layering clothing allows you to:

49. What does a 'Bug Out Bag' (BOB) generally contain?

50. Ultimately, survival often depends most on:

Your SQ Test Results

Score: 0 / 100 (0%) F
Please complete the test to see your results.

Specific Gear & Resources

Knowledge and skills are paramount, but having the right tools can make a critical difference. Explore these categories for specific gear and foundational books relevant to survival priorities. Links lead to general searches or informational pages. **Do your own research** on specific products and prioritize **skills training**.

Water Purification & Storage

Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter

Lightweight, highly reliable filter removing bacteria & protozoa via hollow fiber membrane.

Application: Backpacking, bug-out bags, travel. Ensures safe drinking water from streams/lakes.

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Aquatabs Water Purification Tablets

Chemical treatment for emergency water. Kills viruses, bacteria, giardia.

Application: Backup purification, treating large volumes, when boiling isn't feasible.

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Nalgene Wide Mouth Water Bottle (1L / 32oz)

Extremely durable, BPA-free plastic bottle. Wide mouth for easy filling/cleaning.

Application: Everyday carry, hiking, storing purified water. Can handle boiling water for sterilization.

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WaterBrick Stackable Storage Containers (3.5 Gal)

Heavy-duty, interlocking containers for bulk water storage.

Application: Home preparedness, long-term water reserves, transportable.

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Grayl GeoPress Purifier Bottle

Press-style filter bottle removing bacteria, protozoa, AND viruses.

Application: Travel (especially international), fast purification on the go.

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Household Liquid Bleach (Unscented, 5-8% Sodium Hypochlorite)

Common chemical for disinfecting surfaces and purifying water in emergencies (use precise dosage!).

Application: Emergency water treatment when other methods fail, general sanitation.

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Stainless Steel Water Bottle (Single Wall, Wide Mouth)

Durable metal bottle that can be used to boil water directly over a fire.

Application: Survival kits, camping. Provides container + boiling capability.

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Food - Long Term Storage

Augason Farms 30-Day Emergency Food Pail

Bucket containing a variety of freeze-dried and dehydrated meals.

Application: Long-term home food storage, provides variety for emergencies.

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Mountain House Freeze-Dried Food (#10 Cans)

Popular brand known for taste and very long shelf life (25+ years). Just add hot water.

Application: Premium long-term storage, base camps, requires boiling water.

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Mylar Bags & Oxygen Absorbers

Materials for DIY long-term storage of dry goods like rice, beans, pasta.

Application: Cost-effective way to store bulk dry staples for decades.

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Bulk White Rice (25-50 lbs)

Inexpensive, calorie-dense staple food.

Application: Core component of long-term food storage when properly packaged (Mylar/O2 absorbers).

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Bulk Dried Beans (Pinto, Black, Lentils)

Excellent source of protein and fiber, stores very well long-term.

Application: Complements rice for complete protein, essential for LTS.

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Canned Meats (Tuna, Chicken, SPAM, Sardines)

Ready-to-eat protein source with a multi-year shelf life.

Application: Convenient protein for short-term emergencies or bug-out bags.

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Raw Honey (Bulk)

Natural sweetener with indefinite shelf life if stored properly. Also has potential antiseptic properties.

Application: Long-term sweetener, morale booster, potential minor wound care.

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Shelter & Warmth

Emergency Bivvy Sack (e.g., SOL Escape Bivvy)

Reflective, waterproof, breathable sack for emergency warmth.

Application: Ultra-light shelter/sleeping bag enhancer for bug-out bags, car kits.

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Heavy Duty Tarp (e.g., 8x10 or 10x12 ft)

Versatile waterproof sheet for improvised shelters, ground cover.

Application: Creating A-frame, lean-to shelters; protecting gear; collecting rainwater.

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Wool Blanket

Provides warmth even when damp, naturally fire-resistant.

Application: Bedding, emergency wrap, ground insulation, makeshift clothing.

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Sleeping Bag (Appropriate Temperature Rating)

Insulated bag crucial for retaining body heat during sleep.

Application: Camping, bug-out bag (choose rating based on climate), home power outage.

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Hand Warmers (Disposable Chemical Packs)

Air-activated packs providing several hours of heat.

Application: Quick warmth for hands/feet/core in cold weather, preventing frostbite.

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Foam Sleeping Pad (Closed-Cell)

Provides insulation from cold ground (conduction heat loss).

Application: Essential for sleeping warmly outdoors or on cold surfaces.

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Emergency Space Blanket (Mylar)

Thin, lightweight sheet reflecting body heat.

Application: Very compact backup warmth, signaling, ground cover.

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First Aid & Medical

Comprehensive First Aid Kit (e.g., IFAK components)

Kit containing supplies for trauma and common injuries.

Application: Treating cuts, burns, sprains, bleeding, etc. Must know how to use contents.

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Tourniquet (CAT or SOFTT-W Recommended)

Device to stop catastrophic limb bleeding. Requires training.

Application: Life-saving tool for severe arterial bleeding in extremities.

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Israeli Bandage / Emergency Trauma Dressing

Sterile pressure bandage for moderate to severe bleeding.

Application: Applying direct pressure and dressing wounds quickly.

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QuikClot / Hemostatic Gauze

Gauze treated to accelerate blood clotting.

Application: Controlling severe bleeding where direct pressure isn't enough.

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Basic Over-The-Counter Medications

Pain relievers (Ibuprofen/Acetaminophen), antihistamines, anti-diarrheal, etc.

Application: Managing common ailments like pain, allergies, digestive issues.

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Prescription Medications (Personal Supply)

Critical personal medications with a backup supply if possible.

Application: Maintaining health for chronic conditions during disruption.

Antiseptic Wipes & Hand Sanitizer

For cleaning wounds and hands to prevent infection.

Application: Basic hygiene, minor wound care when water is scarce.

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Tools & Equipment

Knife (Full Tang, Fixed Blade)

Strong, reliable knife for various cutting tasks, wood processing.

Application: Essential multipurpose tool: defense, fire prep, shelter building, food prep.

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Axe or Hatchet (Appropriate Size)

For felling small trees and splitting firewood.

Application: Efficient firewood processing, shelter construction.

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Folding Saw (e.g., Bahco Laplander)

Efficiently cuts wood for fire and shelter.

Application: Safer and often more efficient than chopping for processing medium wood.

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Multi-Tool (e.g., Leatherman, Gerber)

Pliers, knife, screwdrivers, etc., in one compact tool.

Application: Repairs, adjustments, various small tasks.

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Duct Tape (Gorilla Tape or similar quality)

Strong adhesive tape for countless repairs.

Application: Patching gear, securing items, first aid uses, improvising.

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Work Gloves (Leather or Durable Synthetic)

Protect hands during heavy tasks.

Application: Handling firewood, clearing debris, preventing cuts/blisters.

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Shovel (Folding or Small Spade)

For digging fire pits, latrines, improving shelter.

Application: Sanitation, shelter construction, fire management.

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Power & Lighting

Headlamp (LED with Red Light Option)

Hands-free lighting, red light preserves night vision.

Application: Navigating/working in the dark, signaling.

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Flashlight (Durable LED)

Reliable handheld light source, backup to headlamp.

Application: Focused beam, signaling, general illumination.

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Extra Batteries (Appropriate Types & Stored Properly)

Power source for electronic devices.

Application: Keeping lights, radios, GPS running.

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Solar Panel Charger & Power Bank

Recharge devices using sunlight.

Application: Maintaining power for phones, GPS, batteries off-grid.

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Candles (Long-Burning Emergency Candles)

Simple, long-lasting light and minor heat source.

Application: Ambient light, backup lighting, requires fire safety.

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Hand-Crank / Solar Emergency Radio (with NOAA/USB)

Receives broadcasts, often includes flashlight & charger.

Application: Information gathering (weather/news), backup power/light.

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Portable Generator (Gas, Propane, or Solar)

Provides significant AC power for home/basecamp.

Application: Running essential appliances during outages (fridge, tools, medical devices). Requires fuel/sun.

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Communication

Emergency Whistle (Pealess)

Loud, reliable signaling device, works when wet.

Application: Signaling for help over long distances.

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Signal Mirror

Reflects sunlight for long-distance visual signaling.

Application: Attracting attention of aircraft or distant searchers on sunny days.

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Two-Way Radios (FRS/GMRS)

Short-to-medium range communication without cell service.

Application: Group communication, local coordination. (GMRS may require license).

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Satellite Messenger / Phone (e.g., Garmin inReach, Zoleo, Iridium)

Allows communication (text/SOS/voice) outside cell coverage via satellite.

Application: Remote areas, disaster communication, SOS emergency function.

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Hand-Crank / Solar AM/FM/NOAA Weather Radio

Receives emergency broadcasts and news.

Application: Staying informed about weather alerts and official information.

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Brightly Colored Tarp or Flagging Tape

Highly visible material for ground-to-air signaling or marking trails.

Application: Creating ground signals for aircraft, marking locations/routes.

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Ham Radio (License & Training Required)

Long-range communication independent of infrastructure.

Application: Advanced communication grid-down, requires significant knowledge.

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Seeds & Gardening

Heirloom / Open-Pollinated Seed Vault

Non-hybrid seeds that can be saved for future planting.

Application: Long-term food sustainability, ability to grow food year after year.

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Basic Gardening Tools (Trowel, Hand Rake, Hoe)

Essential hand tools for soil preparation and planting.

Application: Cultivating small garden plots for food production.

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Seed Starting Kit (Trays, Peat Pots, Grow Light)

Supplies for starting seeds indoors before transplanting.

Application: Getting a head start on the growing season, protecting young seedlings.

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Composting Guide / Bin

Method/container for recycling organic waste into soil amendment.

Application: Creating nutrient-rich soil for gardening without synthetic fertilizers.

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Gardening / Regional Planting Guide Book

Information on what grows well locally and when to plant.

Application: Maximizing gardening success based on climate and soil.

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Rain Barrel / Water Collection System

Collects rainwater for garden use.

Application: Conserving water, providing non-chlorinated water for plants.

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Sprouting Seeds & Jar/Kit (Alfalfa, Mung Bean, etc.)

Quickly grow nutritious sprouts indoors with minimal resources.

Application: Fast source of fresh vitamins and minerals, requires only water.

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Hygiene & Sanitation

Toilet Paper (Stored Dry)

Basic sanitation essential.

Application: Personal hygiene, often overlooked in planning.

Soap (Bar Soap or Liquid)

For handwashing and general cleaning.

Application: Preventing spread of disease through basic hygiene.

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Hand Sanitizer (Alcohol-Based, >60%)

Disinfects hands when soap and water aren't available.

Application: Quick sanitation on the go, backup to handwashing.

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Heavy Duty Trash Bags

Multiple uses including waste disposal, ground cloths, ponchos.

Application: Waste management, improvised waterproofing, shelter component.

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Portable Toilet / Bucket Toilet System

Improvised or dedicated toilet for use when plumbing fails.

Application: Maintaining sanitation, preventing disease spread from human waste.

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Calcium Hydroxide (Pickling Lime) or Cat Litter

Used in bucket toilets to control odor and pathogens.

Application: Making improvised toilets safer and more manageable.

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Feminine Hygiene Supplies

Essential items for women's health and comfort.

Application: Personal need, often forgotten in general preparedness kits.

Wet Wipes / Body Wipes

For cleaning skin when showering isn't possible.

Application: Maintaining personal hygiene to prevent skin infections and boost morale.

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Self-Defense

Pepper Spray (Reputable Brand, Check Expiry)

Less-lethal option for deterring human or animal threats.

Application: Personal defense at close range, providing opportunity to escape.

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Situational Awareness & Avoidance Skills

Recognizing potential threats and avoiding confrontation.

Application: The most important defense is not needing to use force. Requires practice.

Sturdy Walking Stick / Trekking Pole

Can be used as an improvised defensive tool.

Application: Maintaining distance, striking, stability aid.

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Personal Security Alarm / Whistle

Loud noise to attract attention and potentially deter attackers.

Application: Signaling distress, drawing attention to a dangerous situation.

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Defensive Training (Martial Arts / Firearms - If Legal & Chosen)

Proficiency and safety training are crucial for any defensive tool.

Application: Effective and safe use of chosen defensive methods.

Home Security Assessment & Hardening

Improving locks, doors, windows, lighting, visibility.

Application: Making your home a less attractive target, passive defense.

Bright Tactical Flashlight with Strobe

Disorients potential threats, can be used as an impact tool.

Application: Identifying threats, temporary blinding/disorientation, impact weapon.

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General Preparedness Checklist

This list includes general items, skills, and actions beneficial for preparedness. These are often readily available or require acquisition/practice rather than specific product links. Use this as a starting point for assessing your overall readiness beyond specific linked products.

  • ✔ Basic Tool Kit (Screwdriver, Pliers, Wrench, Hammer)
  • ✔ Bleeding Control Kit (Tourniquet, Pressure Dressing, Gauze - Know how to use!)
  • ✔ Cash (Small denominations, varied amounts)
  • ✔ Communication Plan (Family/Group contact numbers, meeting points, out-of-state contact)
  • ✔ Community Network / Mutual Assistance Group
  • ✔ Cooking Pot / Pan & Basic Utensils (Metal)
  • ✔ Copies of Important Documents (IDs, Insurance, Deeds, Medical Info in waterproof bag/drive)
  • ✔ Cordage (Rope, Twine, Bank Line - Various Strengths/Lengths)
  • ✔ Defensive Training (Martial Arts / Firearms - If Legal & Chosen)
  • ✔ Duct Tape & Zip Ties (Multiple Rolls/Types/Sizes)
  • ✔ Durable Backpack or Duffel Bag (Appropriate size for BOB/GHB)
  • ✔ Extra Socks (Wool / Synthetic - Multiple Pairs)
  • ✔ Feminine Hygiene Supplies
  • ✔ Fire Extinguisher (ABC Rated - Home / Vehicle)
  • ✔ First Aid Manual (Physical Copy - Know how to use!)
  • ✔ Home Security Assessment & Hardening
  • ✔ Home Security Assessment / Hardening Plan
  • ✔ Knowledge & Skills Practice (Regularly practice fire, shelter, first aid, navigation)
  • ✔ Medications (Prescription & OTC - Keep rotated)
  • ✔ Physical Fitness & Mental Resilience
  • ✔ Physical Local & Regional Maps (Laminated if possible)
  • ✔ Plastic Sheeting / Tarps (Heavy Duty, Multiple Sizes)
  • ✔ Portable Cooking Stove (Propane/Butane/Wood) & Fuel
  • ✔ Prescription Medications (Personal Supply)
  • ✔ Rain Gear (Poncho / Jacket & Pants - Breathable if possible)
  • ✔ Sewing Kit (Needles, Heavy Thread, Safety Pins, Buttons)
  • ✔ Situational Awareness & Avoidance Skills
  • ✔ Sturdy Boots or Shoes (Broken in)
  • ✔ Toilet Paper (Stored Dry)
  • ✔ Warm Clothing Layers (Wool / Fleece / Synthetics - NO COTTON)
  • ✔ Waterproof Matches / Lighters / Ferro Rod (Multiple Methods)
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